Thinking About Fostering?
How Fostering Works and What to Expect
What is Fostering?
Every day, thousands of children in the UK need safe, stable, and loving homes. Foster care provides a temporary or long-term home for children who, for various reasons, cannot live with their birth families.
As a foster carer, you offer stability, guidance, and a nurturing environment—helping children thrive despite challenging circumstances.
As a foster carer, you offer stability, guidance, and a nurturing environment—helping children thrive despite challenging circumstances.
What You Need to Foster
Many people wonder whether they qualify to become a foster parent. The truth is that foster carers come from all walks of life. You do not need special qualifications—just a big heart, resilience, and the ability to provide a stable home.
What You Need to Foster:
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A spare room (separate from your own children).
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If fostering with a partner, at least two years of living together.
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Time, patience, and a commitment to supporting a young person.
You do not need to have parenting experience, own a home, or be married. Whether you are single, in a relationship, or retired, fostering could be the perfect way to make a difference.
Why Foster with Apex?
Choosing the right fostering agency makes all the difference. With Apex, you are never alone—we provide the support, training, and guidance needed to help you thrive as a foster carer.
What You Can Expect from Apex:
Regular support and check-ins with a weekly call and monthly supervision.
Support groups every six weeks, where you can connect with other foster carers.
A 24/7 helpline, ensuring you always have access to urgent support.
Specialist training, including both in-person and online sessions covering therapeutic techniques and best practices in foster care.
Carefully matched placements, ensuring children are placed with the right foster carer.
A family support worker, who is an experienced foster carer providing mentorship and guidance.
Independent support and legal advice through the Fostering Network.
A community that cares, with school holiday events, foster carer meet-ups, and an agency that values every carer.
Different Types of Fostering
Short-Term & Long-Term Fostering
Some foster placements last a few weeks or months, while others provide children with stability for years. Many placements are for children aged five and older.
Parent and Child Fostering
There is high demand for parent and child fostering, where you support a young parent (usually a mother) and their baby. Your role is to provide a safe environment, mentoring the parent while professionals assess their ability to care for their child.
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Higher fostering allowance due to additional responsibilities.
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Placements typically last six to 18 months.
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Additional specialized training provided.