Become a foster carer
Foster carers provide a stable family life for children and young people who are unable to live with their parents at a particular point in their lives.
To become a foster carer, you need to:
- be 25 or over (in some circumstances we will consider people between 21 and 25 years old)
- have a separate spare bedroom suitable for a child or young person (unless you are fostering babies who can be accommodated in a cot in a main bedroom)
- be a full-time resident in the UK or have leave to remain
- have the time and commitment to give to a child or young person, often on a full-time basis
How to apply
If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, request a fostering information pack.
Request a fostering information pack
You can also contact us by telephone on 01642 526218 or email child.placement@stockton.gov.uk for further information.
What happens next?
To find out about the next steps after you make your enquiry including the assessment, read our step-by-step guide to becoming a foster carer.
Events and information sessions
We hold a range of virtual and in-person information sessions throughout the year to help you learn more about fostering and becoming a foster carer.
It's an opportunity to ask any questions and to meet our friendly team who will talk in more detail about:
- what being a foster carer means
- what makes a good foster carer
- myth busters
- the journey to become a foster carer
- what to expect during the fostering assessment
- the support you will receive
Attending an information session is the first step in what could be a very exciting and rewarding decision. We hope you can join us on one of the following dates:
- Thursday 14th September 2023 - Online (log-on with a smartphone) from 1pm to 2pm
Book your place at an information session