Why Foster?

Deciding to foster is a big step, and it’s natural to pause and ask yourself why foster. The truth is, there isn’t just one reason. Every carer has their own story, but what they share is the difference fostering makes, for children, for families, and for themselves. Here are the ten most common reasons our carers say fostering has been life-changing.

It’s an extremely rewarding role

What could be more rewarding than knowing you’re making a real difference in a child or young person’s life? Many children who come into foster care have lived through trauma, such as abuse or neglect. For them, a foster home offers the chance of a fresh start in a safe, stable environment. With your care and guidance, they can begin to recover, grow in confidence, and experience the love of a family. This is at the heart of why be a foster parent, because the impact you make can last a lifetime.

Give back to your local community

If you’re pondering ‘why foster’, one powerful reason is the difference it makes close to home. Fostering is not only about supporting a child or young person who urgently needs care, it can also give birth parents vital time to recover from challenges such as illness, addiction, or other difficulties. By stepping in, foster carers help families rebuild, strengthen their community, and ensure every child has the chance of a brighter, happier future. This is at the heart of why be a foster parent.

Enjoy a family life

Let’s be honest, some people simply love a big family. For them, the question of why foster often comes down to the joy of having a busy, welcoming home. Foster care can give you that, with the chance to be approved to look after more than one child at a time, or even keep siblings together. For many carers, this sense of family is a big part of why be a foster parent, because it means creating a home filled with love, laughter, and togetherness, whether placements are short-term or long-term.

Share experience of knowledge

Our carers often say how fulfilling it is to share their love, home, and life experience with a child or young person. There’s nothing quite like seeing a child come out of their shell, gaining confidence, learning new skills, and beginning to thrive. As a foster parent, you’re not just watching this transformation happen; you’re a vital part of making it possible.

Enjoy the challenges of being a parent

Of course, fostering isn’t always smooth sailing. Many children are working through difficult experiences from their past, and this can sometimes show up as challenging behaviour. As a foster parent, you’ll be there to guide them through those moments. With patience, love, and consistency, you can help them process their emotions and take important steps towards healing.

Encourage development and growth

Like any parent, foster carers find huge joy in watching a child grow into a confident teenager and beyond. Every milestone brings pride, knowing you’ve played an important role in their journey. Seeing a vulnerable young person flourish into a capable, self-assured adult is one of the most rewarding experiences fostering can bring.

Learn new skills, make new friends, be part of a team

Becoming a foster parent also means becoming part of something bigger. At Family Fostering Partners, you’ll join a community of like-minded people who understand the ups and downs of fostering. You’ll meet other carers with similar experiences, share stories, and build lasting friendships. For many, this sense of belonging is one of the unexpected joys of fostering.

Be inspired by the children and young people you care for

Our foster children are truly inspirational. They bring energy, resilience, and new perspectives into the families they join. Carers often tell us how much they learn from the children in their care and how proud they feel sharing in their successes.

There is never a dull day

As any parent will tell you, life with children is never dull. They’re full of surprises, and no two days are ever quite the same. Fostering brings that same sense of adventure, every day is different, and that’s what makes it so exciting.

Make amazing memories

Best of all, fostering gives you the chance to create lasting memories, moments of laughter, pride, and togetherness that you’ll carry with you for life.

Who Can Foster?

Now we’ve explored why foster, lets understand who can foster. The truth is, there’s no such thing as a “typical” foster parent. Children need all kinds of homes and carers, which means people from many different walks of life can apply.

You don’t need to be married, own your home, or have children of your own. What matters most is that you can provide a safe, stable, and loving environment. Foster carers come from a wide range of backgrounds, they might be single, part of a couple, working, or retired.

There are, however, a few essentials you’ll need:

• A spare bedroom – every foster child needs their own space to feel safe and secure.
• Time and commitment – the ability to be there when a child needs you most.
• Patience and resilience – children may arrive with difficult experiences and need extra support.
• A safe and stable home environment – one where children can feel welcome and cared for.
• Be over the age of 21. 

If you can offer these essentials, along with a genuine desire to make a difference, you could be the person a child needs to help them thrive.

Benefits of Fostering

Becoming a foster carer with Family Fostering Partners offers so much more than just a transformative experience, it provides a full spectrum of support and rewards. You’ll receive a comprehensive fostering allowance that covers day-to-day costs like food, clothing, bills, celebrations, and holidays. There’s even the “Be There to Care” scheme, providing upfront financial support in those first crucial weeks before your first placement arrives.

 On top of that, carers are eligible for tax relief and access to discounts through membership schemes like FosterTalk.

You’ll never be alone in your journey, Family Fostering Partners provides training (including trauma-informed care), a dedicated Link Worker by your side, 24/7 support, and peer communities to help you grow as a carer. 

Beyond the practical side, fostering brings deep emotional rewards: the joy of making a real difference in a child’s life, the delight in watching them flourish, the warmth of new connections, and the satisfaction of contributing to your community, all while balancing life in your own home 

If you have been asking yourself why foster, and you’ve found the information on this page to be of real benefit, the next step is learning more about how to become a foster parent. It could be the start of one of the most rewarding journeys you’ll ever take.

If you’ve got any questions, or would just like to chat to a member of our team, we’d love to hear from you. Give us a call on 03300 948816 or fill out the contact form below.

Why Be a Foster Parent FAQs

What is the point of fostering?

Fostering gives children a safe, supportive home when they can’t live with their birth families. It offers them stability, care, and the chance to thrive.

What are the advantages of fostering?

Fostering is rewarding on many levels. You’ll see the difference you make in a child’s life, gain support and training, and receive a fostering allowance to cover costs.

Is fostering worth it financially?

Yes. Foster carers receive a fostering allowance to cover the cost of caring for a child, plus additional benefits like tax relief and access to support schemes.