Take your first step into fostering with Nexus Fostering.
Children and young people come from different backgrounds, so we require foster carers who represent the diversity of today's society.
To reflect the diversity of the young people in care we welcome carers of different sexualities, marital and relationship statuses, with or without children. And we actively encourage fostering applications from persons with different ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds.
Some of our foster carers work while others are at home. Some carers have children at home, while others don't have any or have children who have grown up and left the family home.
At Nexus Fostering, we know that fostering is one of society's most valuable, life-changing and fulfilling tasks. Caring for a child or young person who cannot live with their parents demonstrates a generosity of spirit and an open heart that we recognise and value immensely. In return, we offer round-the-clock, 24/7 support, so you are never alone as a Nexus Fostering carer.
Although not a requirement, it would be helpful for you to have some experience in caring for or working with children and to;
Have patience
A good sense of humour
Are optimistic and enthusiastic
Enthusiasm to attend relevant training courses and support groups
Can offer a flexible approach
Motivated to make a positive difference in young people’s lives
You’ll be surprised how everyday life skills and experiences have already equipped you with transferable skills!
You need be over 21 years of age.
You need be a UK resident or have indefinite leave to remain.
You need to be able to offer a spare bedroom, but it doesn’t matter whether your home is a house or flat, in a town or the countryside, or rented or owned.
You must always be available to a foster child whenever needed. This may be during the daytime if schooling is disrupted. This is often easier for couples to ensure than single carers, but some of our carers are single and can foster just as well as anyone with a reliable support network.
Inner cities are often well served by reliable and regular local transport networks, but suburbs and rural areas are much less so.
''We can't praise this agency highly enough. We are new foster carers currently in our first placement. Staff are friendly and very supportive, with weekly meetings with our social worker and 24-hour telephone support. We recommend contacting Nexus Fostering if you are considering becoming a foster carer.''
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There is no upper age limit, age is just a number when it comes to fostering. We need people who have life experiences with the children in your care. You must be at least 21 years old to start fostering.
Yes. In fact, some young people will be matched with you because you have pets. Animals, particularly cats and dogs, can act as a great ice breaker, especially on that first day when you and the child might be feeling nervous about them being in your home. Having an animal that could pose a risk to a child or young person would prevent you from fostering. For example, certain dog breeds that are banned within the UK.
Yes. We have many single foster carers who have a solid support network of family and friends who offer practical and emotional support when needed. The Nexus Fostering team is also always available to support you, so you will never feel alone when you foster with us.
Yes. We need diverse foster carers to reflect the diversity of young people coming into care. Sometimes there are young people who cannot be placed with a particular gender so same-sex foster carers can make a particularly good match.
