We have single foster carers, as well as ones who are married or living together. So, yes, you can foster with us if you are single.
You might be surprised at just how open fostering is – almost anyone can be a foster carer. But we still get asked the same questions – ‘Can I foster as a single parent?’ and ‘Can I foster as a single man?’
Here, we share some answers.
can you foster if you are single?
Absolutely!
You can foster with us if you are a single man, a single woman, any sexual orientation, if you are already a single parent or you have no parenting experience at all. Single people have lots to offer and can be amazing foster carers.
Read more from Beth, who is fostering as a single parent.
being a single foster carer
I have been a single foster carer for eight years. I was first approved when I was 27.
I am currently a long-term foster carer and also help out with day care when needed. I started off as a short-term foster carer but made the change when a little one was a good match for my family.
how to become a single foster carer
It took 10 months, from the time I sent an email enquiring, to being approved. The longest delay in the process was waiting for a panel date. I had already been told by family members that the assessment process can be quite in-depth and there are lots of questions to answer.
Though it seems to take a long time, when you just want to get started, it was good for me and my daughter to reflect on whether it was the right decision.
choosing the right type of fostering as a single parent
One of the difficulties in being a foster carer for me is saying goodbye when I have moved children on for adoption.
My eldest was eight years old when we started fostering. She found saying goodbye quite difficult, it is one of the reasons why I’m now doing long term fostering.
My youngest was born after our foster child had been here for two years. She just thinks of her as an older sister.
fostering alongside your own children
As a single foster carer with my own two children, it can be challenging trying to juggle all the after-school clubs. My supervising social worker is always at the end of the phone or an email when I need advice. I also attend support groups put on by the local authority to meet other foster carers, I have found great support in others who understand.
the positives about fostering as a single parent
I am lucky enough to have stayed in contact with the families of children I have moved on for adoption. I get sent pictures and updates and it’s wonderful to see how much they have grown. I feel proud knowing I played an important part in that child’s life.
Single foster carer FAQs
Can I foster as a single parent?
Yes, there are lots of single foster carers. There are many different types of fostering to fit with your skills, experience and availability. Fostering can be challenging so we will make sure you have lots of support around you.
Can I be a single LGBT foster carer?
Yes, we have lots of LGTBQ+ foster carers, both single and couples. Your sexual orientation isn’t a factor when it comes to fostering.
Is fostering as a single man possible?
Yes, whether you are single or in a couple, men can play an important role in fostering as a father figure, with whom to share interests. Watch David’s heartwarming fostering story.
What about fostering as a single woman?
Yes. Many people expect all foster carers to be couples, but many single people foster too. We’ll make sure you’ve got lots of guidance and advice, as well as our local fostering community like Foster Wales NPT monthly support group for single foster carers.
Can you foster if you have a partner who doesn’t live with you?
If you are single but then start a relationship, we can complete an assessment and background checks, so your new partner can join in fostering with you.
Can you foster if you are single and live alone?
Yes, if there is a spare bedroom available.
Can I be a single foster carer and still work?
Yes, some single foster carers choose to provide short breaks and emergency foster care to fit around their full-time work.
Do I need any childcare experience?
You don’t need to have been a parent or worked with children before. Some experience of being around children, whether it’s recent babysitting, caring for nieces and nephews, or volunteering would be beneficial for your assessment.
Is there extra support for single foster carers?
If you don’t have family or friends living nearby to help, your local Foster Wales team can introduce you to foster carers in the area, who can offer support and advice. Foster Wales NPT organises a monthly support group specifically designed for single foster carers seeking further guidance and advice from experienced foster parents.
Can I claim child benefit as a single parent?
You can claim child benefit for your own children, but you can’t claim for any fostered children. Read our guide to foster carer pay.
things to consider as a single foster parent?
Availability
The school holidays can be challenging as a single foster carer. Of course, there are summer children’s clubs, your family can help out and other foster carers might be able to offer respite – but the summer is a popular time of year to ask for support. If you work, a supportive employer might offer you additional annual leave or flexible working hours as part of a fostering friendly HR policy.
Support network
Caring for children who have experienced a traumatic start in life, isn’t easy. You’ll need supportive friends and family and a supportive employer if you work. It’s good to have other foster carers to talk to. You may be dealing with some situations by yourself. Particularly at the weekend or evenings, you might be dwelling on something a child has shared with you, until you can speak to a social worker the following day.
Finance
As a single foster carer, you’ll receive financial support to care for the children as well as a payment to you. Your local Foster Wales team will help you consider your own financial situation, particularly if you are fostering as a single parent and have no other source of income or benefits.
Type of fostering for single parents
Take on the advice of the supervising social worker on what type of fostering they think would suit your family the best. If you get the opportunity, then speak to other foster carers who have a similar family dynamic to you.
four big benefits of being a single foster carer
- The assessment process can be a little quicker as it’s only your background checks and your availability for appointments, training etc.
- When the phone rings, the decision to say “yes” can be quicker. You don’t have to discuss with everyone else in the household.
- Some foster children can play a couple off against each other. As a single foster carer there’s only you, and you can give them one-to-one attention.
- Some children might be more comfortable with a single foster carer. Your relationship with the birth parent might be easier too.
make a difference by fostering with your local authority
We’re Foster Wales Neath Port Talbot, part of the national network of 22 Welsh local authority fostering services. Our aim is to build better futures for children within our community. Contact us today.
If you live elsewhere in Wales, visit the Foster Wales website, where you can find all the necessary information about fostering as well as the contact details for your local authority fostering service.
