Ofsted registered independent fostering agency · URN 2784231
020 8044 5670 24/7 hello@indigofostering.com Transfer to us
Become a foster carer

You probably can. Most people are surprised.

There's no single “type” of foster carer. If you have room in your home and your life for a child who needs you, the rest is something we'll help you build.

Start your enquiry See the journey
Who can foster

Let's clear up the myths.

The things people assume rule them out usually don't. Here's the truth.

You can foster if…

  • You're over 21 — with no upper age limit, as long as you're fit and well
  • You rent or own your home — you just need a spare bedroom
  • You're single, married, partnered, divorced — relationship status doesn't matter
  • You're LGBTQ+ — we welcome carers of every identity
  • You work — many carers do, and we'll talk through what's realistic

The essentials we do need

  • A spare bedroom for a child's own space
  • The right to live and work in the UK
  • The time, patience and emotional capacity to care for a child
  • A willingness to work as part of a professional team
  • To complete our checks, assessment and preparation training
The journey

Eight steps, fully supported.

From your first enquiry to your first match, you'll have a named person beside you at every stage. Most people reach approval in four to six months.

Register your interest

A relaxed, no-commitment conversation about you, your home and what fostering involves. We answer everything before you decide anything.

Initial home visit

One of our social workers visits to explore your accommodation, suitability and motivation, and to begin your Stage One statutory checks.

Stage One checks

DBS, medical and references. We handle the heavy lifting with you and keep you informed at every step.

Full assessment

A competency-based assessment to CoramBAAF standards, completed with an assessor who gets to know you and your household.

Skills to Foster training

Our therapeutic preparation programme builds the mindset and practical tools you'll rely on — from attachment and trauma to safer caring.

Fostering panel

You'll attend our independent fostering panel, who consider your assessment and make a recommendation to the Agency Decision Maker.

Approval

The Agency Decision Maker confirms your approval and the terms of your fostering — and you become an Indigo foster carer.

Matching & lifelong support

A carefully considered first match, then a named supervising social worker, 24/7 support, support groups and ongoing training for as long as you foster.

Preparation & training

You'll never be thrown in at the deep end.

Before your first placement you'll complete our therapeutic Skills to Foster programme. After approval, you'll have a structured development pathway — including the Training, Support and Development Standards (TSDS) in your first year — plus specialist courses as you grow.

Explore training & support
Therapeutic foundations Developmental trauma & attachment Safer caring De-escalation through connection Life story work Child protection & safeguarding Paediatric first aid Recording & daily practice
Questions

The things everyone asks.

Can I foster if I work full-time?
Many of our carers work. It depends on the type of fostering and the age of the child — we'll talk through what's realistic for your situation, and some fostering roles fit alongside flexible work.
Do I need to own my home?
No. You can rent or own. What matters is that you have a stable living situation and a spare bedroom that a child can have as their own space.
How much is the fostering allowance?
On average, Indigo carers receive around £450 per week per child, for up to three children. This is alongside holiday, activity, respite and child-essentials allowances. See our allowances page for the full picture.
How long does approval take?
Most people are approved within four to six months of their initial visit, depending on how quickly checks and assessment can be completed. We keep things moving and keep you informed throughout.
Can I choose the age of children I foster?
Yes. Your approval specifies the type of fostering, and the age, gender and number of children that suit your household — agreed with you during assessment.
What support will I get?
A named supervising social worker, monthly supervision, 24/7 out-of-hours support, peer support groups, and ongoing training. You're a member of the professional team around every child — never on your own.

Ready to find out more?

Start with a question, not a commitment. We'll call you back for a relaxed, no-pressure chat.

Start your enquiry Call 020 8044 5670