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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