Thinking about fostering? Talk to someone who's done it.
No forms, no pressure. Just an honest chat with an experienced foster carer about what it's really like. If it's right for you, I'll introduce you to a fostering agency or council near you.
Find fostering organisations near you Enter your postcode →
Hi, I'm Marlon. Fostering for 18 years — and still loving it.
I've cared for children and young people of all ages, and I've seen first-hand the difference a safe, steady home makes. I know the questions people have before they start, because I had them too. I also sit on an independent fostering panel, so I know exactly what agencies look for when they assess new carers.
If you're even slightly curious, let's talk. I'll be honest about the good days and the hard ones, and if you decide to go ahead, I'll put you in touch with the right people near you.
From first chat to first placement
I'm with you at the start and still there when you need someone who's been through it.
Have a chat with me
On the phone, on WhatsApp or over a coffee. Ask me anything.
I introduce you
With your OK, I pass your details to a trusted fostering agency or your local council.
Assessment and training
Home visits, checks and training over a few months. I'll help you through it.
Start fostering
Welcome your first child, with your agency's support — and mine.
Find fostering organisations near you
Enter your postcode →Could you foster? Probably more than you think.
Answer four quick questions. There are no wrong answers, and nothing is saved.
0 of 4 answeredFind fostering organisations near you
Enter your postcode or town to see your local council and any independent fostering agencies in our verified directory that cover your area.
Local authority
Your local council may recruit and support foster carers directly.
Independent fostering agencies
Registered agencies that recruit and support foster carers, often working with several councils.
These organisations may be worth exploring. We don't rank them or say which one you should use. Always check details with the organisation itself.
Ready to take the next step?
Prefer to speak to someone first?
Talk to an experienced foster carerThere's no pressure to apply. Contacting an organisation just means asking questions.
Local authority vs independent agency
Both are regulated, and both can be a good route into fostering. Here's how they differ.
| Question | Local authority | Independent agency |
|---|---|---|
| Who runs it? | Your local council's children's services. | An independent organisation (a charity or a private company) registered with the regulator. |
| Where do the children come from? | Usually children in that council's care, so often from your local area. | Children placed by councils that use the agency, which can be across several areas. |
| Support | A supervising social worker from the council, plus local support groups and services. | A supervising social worker from the agency, plus the agency's own support network. |
| Training | Preparation training before approval and ongoing training after. | Preparation training before approval and ongoing training after. |
| Payments | Varies by council. Ask what allowances and fees they pay. | Varies by agency. Ask what allowances and fees they pay. |
| Who should I choose? | Both can be worth exploring. | Both can be worth exploring. |
A good tip: talk to more than one, and ask each about support at evenings and weekends, respite breaks, training and payments. In England, foster carers with councils and agencies all work to the same national standards.
"I could never foster because…"
You don't need to own your home. Renters foster all the time.
Single people make brilliant foster carers. You don't need a partner.
Many carers work. Some types of fostering fit around a job.
There's no upper age limit. Life experience is a real strength.
Questions people always ask me
Is the chat really free?
Yes. Talking to me costs you nothing and you are under no obligation to go any further.
Are you a fostering agency?
No. I am an experienced foster carer. I help you understand what fostering involves, then introduce you to an Ofsted-registered agency or your local council, who carry out the assessment and approval.
Do foster carers get paid?
Foster carers receive an allowance to cover the cost of caring for a child, and many agencies pay a fee on top. The amount depends on the agency and the type of fostering. I can explain how it works.
How long does it take to become a foster carer?
The assessment usually takes a few months. It includes home visits, checks, references and preparation training, before a panel recommends approval.
Should I foster with my council or an independent agency?
Both can be a good route, and both are regulated. Councils mostly look after children from their own area; agencies work with several councils. See the side-by-side comparison, or use the finder to see who covers your postcode.
What happens to my details?
I only use your details to get back to you. I will only pass them to an agency or council if you tell me you are happy for me to do that.
Come and have a chat.
Leave your details and I'll get back to you personally, usually within a day. Prefer to talk now?