Can a Single Person Foster?
Wednesday 01 January 2025
People interested in fostering often ask, ‘Can a single person foster?’ The answer is a resounding yes! Single people can make outstanding Foster Carers. Many of our Foster Carers are single and do an incredible job. We welcome enquiries from everyone, regardless of relationship status, gender, or sexuality. We have seen many single parents become amazing Foster Carers, too.
The most important thing is that you have the right qualities to become a Foster Carer. We also need to know that you’re over 21, have a spare bedroom in your home and have the legal right to live and work in the UK.
Can Single Parents Foster?
Yes, you can be a single parent and foster. Many single parents make amazing Foster Carers and there are many benefits for birth children, too.
Living with foster children often helps birth children develop empathy, patience, and a deeper understanding of different life experiences and challenges. Many Carers find that fostering brings their families closer together, as everyone works toward the shared goal of supporting the foster child. We often see birth children grow into kind and compassionate young adults, with many growing up to work in careers where they help others.
If you have your own birth children, it is essential that they are involved in the decision-making process. It’s your job and ours to help them understand what to expect. We are here to guide you through this and answer any questions you may have about the impact of fostering on birth children.
Things to Consider if You are Single and Thinking about Fostering
- Time Commitment
Fostering requires significant time and energy. You’ll need to be available for school runs, emergencies, appointments, and the child’s day-to-day care. Many single Foster Carers choose not to work – or find a part-time role so they can be available for the child.
- Flexibility
If you decide to work and foster, consider whether your job is flexible enough to accommodate fostering responsibilities. Some employers are fostering friendly—this means that they offer flexible working and paid time off for training and settling a new child into your home.
The most important thing is that you have the time to be there for your child, day or night, whenever they need you. This means being available if any emergencies arise, ensuring they go to school, looking after them during school holidays, attending contact meetings with your foster child and their birth family, attending meetings and training, and more.
- Financial Stability
Foster Carers receive financial support, and in most cases, this will be tax-free. Most Carers find the pay is generous enough that they do not need to work alongside fostering. However, it is important to understand how much you will be paid and consider how this will impact your finances. Read more about Foster Carer pay and allowances.
- Support Network
Caring for a child can be both rewarding and demanding, and having trusted people to turn to can make a significant difference. As a single Foster Carer, you won’t have a partner to share daily responsibilities with, so your support network becomes even more critical. Whether it’s emotional encouragement, practical help, or simply someone to share the highs and lows, your network will play a key role in your success and well-being as a Foster Carer.
As a Five Rivers Foster Carer, you will benefit from to a local support group. These meetings are a great opportunity to share experiences and develop relationships with other Foster Carers. Alongside this, we also host activity days where foster families can get to know each other and enjoy the company of like-minded people. Find out more about the support our Foster Carers receive.
Things to Consider if You are Thinking about Single Parent Fostering
In addition to considering everything above, you will need to consider your birth child’s thoughts and feelings about fostering. Fostering involves the whole family and will bring about significant changes for your child. Often fostering is an enriching experience for birth children, and we will be there to support them along the way. If you have any questions about single parent fostering get in touch, and we will be happy to help you.