Can I work and foster?

How working and fostering can fit together

Every fostering household is different, and so is every job. Some carers work full-time, others part-time, and some decide to focus solely on fostering. The key is understanding how your work life and the needs of a child can work together.

Key things to consider include:

• Flexibility: Children may need support during the school day, after school, or at short notice.
• Routine: You will need to be able to manage school runs, appointments and meetings.
• Availability: Some children require more hands-on support than others.
• Support network: Having a partner, family member or trusted friend who can help in emergencies can make a big difference.
• Type of fostering arrangement: Older children or more settled children may require less in-person daytime support than younger children.

Working full-time while fostering

Working full-time can be possible, especially if your role and household can offer the right level of flexibility and support.

Working full-time may work well if:

• Your work pattern is flexible and you can adjust your hours when needed.
• You can change your hours to attend meetings, appointments or school events.
• You have support from a partner or wider network who can help with care when required.
• You are fostering a more independent child who does not need constant daytime supervision.

Many workplaces now offer flexible arrangements such as remote working, flexible start times or condensed hours. These kinds of adjustments may make it easier to meet the needs of a child while maintaining your job.

Working part-time while fostering

Part-time roles often work well alongside fostering because they can give you more time and headspace for family life.

Working part-time can offer:

• More daytime availability to support the child’s routine.
• More capacity for appointments, meetings and school events.
• Extra time to focus on the child’s wellbeing, hobbies and relationships.

Many carers choose part-time work because it offers a predictable balance between income and availability for
the child.

When you may need to be home full-time

Some children require a carer to be more fully available, particularly at the start of a placement or when their needs are more complex.

You may need to be at home full-time if you are caring for:

• Babies and young children who need close, consistent care throughout the day.
• Children with higher or complex needs who require regular support and supervision.
• Short-term arrangements where transitions happen quickly and there are many appointments.
• Children who have recently come into care and need time to feel safe and settled.

In these situations, working outside the home may not be practical or recommended. Your fostering social worker will talk with you about what is realistic for your household and for the child.

Your responsibilities as a foster carer

No matter your work pattern, you will need to meet key fostering responsibilities. These must remain your
priority when you are caring for a child.

• Creating a safe, nurturing environment where the child feels welcome and valued.
• Supporting education and daily routines, including homework, school attendance and bedtime.
• Taking children to appointments and meetings, such as health checks and reviews.
• Keeping records and attending training to support the child’s care plan and your own learning.
• Being emotionally present and available so the child feels listened to and supported.
• Encouraging hobbies, friendships and activities that help the child grow in confidence.

Financial considerations

Foster carers receive an allowance to help cover the cost of caring for a child. While fostering does not always replace a full-time income, it can contribute to household stability.

Some carers work to supplement their income, while others rely solely on fostering allowances depending on their situation and the type of children they can offer care to.

How we support you

Your fostering team will work with you to help find the right balance between work and fostering for your household.

We offer:

• Guidance on balancing work and fostering, tailored to your circumstances.
• Training and preparation before a child arrives, so you know what to expect.
• Practical advice about the types of fostering that would suit your availability.
• 24/7 support, including an out-of-hours service for urgent issues.
• Regular meetings to review what is working for you and the child.

Frequently asked questions about working and fostering

Do I have to give up my job?

Not always. Some carers continue working, others reduce hours, and some do not work alongside fostering. It depends on your situation and the child’s needs. We will discuss this with you during the assessment process.

Can single people work and foster?

Yes—as long as you can demonstrate flexibility and have a reliable support network. We will look at your overall availability and support, not just your relationship status.

Can employers support fostering?

Many do. Some offer flexible working, emergency leave, or remote-working arrangements that can help. You may find it helpful to talk to your employer about your interest in fostering at an early stage.

What if my hours are unpredictable?

Unpredictable hours can make fostering more difficult, but not impossible. We can discuss which types of fostering arrangement might suit your availability and whether any changes to your work pattern are possible.

Thinking about fostering while working?

If you are unsure whether your job and fostering can work together, our team can talk through your circumstances and help you understand what may be possible.