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Fostering as a Single Parent

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While the old myth that foster families need the old-fashioned traditional family unit of mother and father persists, the reality is that single foster parents are eagerly sought after.

Becoming a foster parent is one of the most satisfying and rewarding things you can do.

Can you be a foster parent if you’re single?

Yes – you can foster as a single parent. The main requirements for fostering are that you are in good health, your home has a spare room for a child or young person, and that you can pass a thorough DBS check.

Because you are considering being a foster carer, chances are good that you have a patient, caring, and compassionate personality. Being a single foster parent calls for these traits in abundance. Of course, fostering as a single parent can take a little extra energy because you don’t have a partner to talk it all over with – but, as there is a wealth of support around you, that can be alleviated somewhat because you are part of a strong network of likeminded carers.

How to become a single foster parent

During the application process, you work with a social worker and attend training sessions and meet other foster carers and people also applying to be carers. This is where your network begins. As part of the Capstone community, you are never alone when it comes to the inevitable moments of concern that are part and parcel of parenting. Capstone’s support for foster carers is comprehensive. Fill in the below form to enquire about becoming a single foster parent today.

Why choose single parent fostering

Fostering as a single parent is a way to build a new and fulfilling career, caring for children who need you and your skills, abilities, and love. A single person can become a foster parent and it is important to emphasise that you can be a single woman foster parent or you can be male – being a foster parent is not a gender-specific role.

There is an expectation that the foster parent will be available 24/7, however this is not always the case. Being a single foster parent doesn’t have to mean you’re always with the children – the child (depending on age) will be in school during the day, meaning that the foster parent has this time free to work outside the home. The reality is that there are meetings with teachers, the agency’s social worker, and other professionals about the child’s education, health, and social adjustment. This makes it difficult, if not impossible, for a single foster parent to have a job outside the home.

Finances are often a concern for a single parent who may have to leave the house to work. Foster care payments take away some of those financial pressures. The foster care allowances cover the cost of housing, clothing, and feeding as well as incidental expenses. There are additional payments for special needs and requirements.

As a carer, you may have preferences as to the type of placements you get. Some prefer short term or emergency placements while others prefer a long term placement. It happens that a short term placement can become a long term placement. There is no way to guarantee the length of a placement because each child’s situation differs.

Single parent foster carers who focus on providing respite care have a more certain situation because the respite care is planned in advance with the parents, foster or not, who need the respite. It is also important to mention that the most common placements are older children (age 10 to 18). The majority of kids in care fall into this age group.

Thinking of fostering as a single parent? Don’t let not being a two-parent family stop you from taking that first step. There are children and young people out there who need you to help them live a safe and happy life. Contact Capstone Foster Care for more information on 0800 012 4004.

Thinking of fostering?

If you’ve got any questions or would like to find out more about fostering with Capstone, fill out the form below.
An experienced fostering advisor from your local area will then be in touch.

The information you provide will be used to respond to the enquiry you have submitted, for further information please refer to our privacy policy.

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Find out more about fostering with Capstone.

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Ways to
GET IN TOUCH

Start the conversation today. Our team of friendly advisors are on hand to answer any foster care questions you may have. We can offer you honest and practical advice that can help you decide if becoming a foster carer is the right path for you. 


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call back

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Download a Brochure

Download our helpful guide to becoming a foster carer with Capstone Foster Care.