Answer 8 short questions and get an honest, instant result. No jargon, no sales pitch, no obligation.
Question 1 of 810%
How old are you?
You need to be at least 21 to foster in the UK. There is no upper age limit. Many people start fostering in their 50s and 60s.
Do you have a spare bedroom?
Foster children need their own bedroom. It does not need to be large, but it must be a dedicated space for them.
Common myth busted
Do you own or rent your home?
You do not need to own your home to foster. Renters can become foster carers. You will need written permission from your landlord, which most give without any issue.
Common myth busted
What is your relationship status?
You do not need to be in a couple to foster. Single people make excellent foster carers. If you live with a partner, all adults in the home will need to be assessed.
Common myth busted
Are you currently working?
Working does not automatically disqualify you. It depends on how flexible you are and the age of any child placed with you. Many foster carers work part-time or with flexible hours.
Do you have any criminal convictions?
Not all convictions will prevent you from fostering. Minor or older convictions are looked at individually. Serious offences against children or involving violence are the main concern.
Common myth busted
How would you describe your general health?
You do not need to be in perfect health. What matters is whether you can meet a child's day-to-day needs. A long-term condition or disability does not automatically rule you out.
Are you legally allowed to live and work in the UK?
You must have the right to live and work in the UK. This includes British citizens and people with settled or pre-settled status.
Your details will only be shared with UK fostering agencies relevant to your area. No spam, ever.
✓
You are all set!
Thank you. A fostering advisor will be in touch within one working day to answer your questions and explain the next steps. There is no obligation at this stage.
What happens next?
A local fostering advisor will call or email you for an informal chat. They will answer any questions you have and explain the process at your own pace, with no pressure.
What does the checker cover?
The eight questions in this checker are based on the main criteria used by fostering agencies across England. They cover age, housing, relationship status, employment, criminal record, health, and immigration status.
Your result is not a formal assessment. It is an honest, plain-English guide to where you stand before you speak to an agency. Think of it as a sensible first step.
Every fostering assessment is individual. If your result flags something worth discussing, that does not mean no. Many people go on to foster successfully after raising exactly those questions with an agency.