One of the most common questions we hear at FosterHub is: can I foster if I’m single? The short answer is yes, absolutely. In fact, single foster carers make up a significant proportion of the fostering workforce in England, and fostering agencies actively seek them.
If you are single and have ever considered fostering, this guide is for you. We will cover the facts, address the myths, and explain what the process looks like for a single applicant.
The Facts: Single People Can Absolutely Foster
There is no legal or regulatory requirement for foster carers to be married, in a civil partnership, or in any kind of relationship. The law is clear: anyone aged 21 or over can apply to become a foster carer, regardless of their relationship status.
Fostering agencies — both local authorities and independent fostering agencies (IFAs) — welcome applications from single people. In fact, according to The Fostering Network, around 17% of foster carers in England are single. That is roughly 7,000 people who are fostering alone and doing a brilliant job of it.
Why Do People Think Single People Cannot Foster?
This myth persists for several reasons. Some people assume that a child needs two parents in the home to have a stable upbringing. Others worry that a single carer would not have enough support. And some simply do not see themselves represented in fostering advertising, which often features couples.
The reality is that what matters most is the quality of care, not the quantity of carers in the household. A single person who is committed, resilient, and well-supported can provide an outstanding home for a child in care.
What Fostering Agencies Look For
When you apply to foster as a single person, the agency will look at the same things they look at for any applicant:
- A spare bedroom — the child needs their own room (with some exceptions for very young babies).
- Stability — a settled lifestyle and a willingness to make space in your life for a child.
- A support network — friends, family, or community who can help you when you need it. You do not need a partner, but you do need people around you.
- Resilience and patience — fostering can be emotionally demanding. Agencies want to know you can cope with challenging behaviour and uncertainty.
- A genuine motivation — why do you want to foster? There is no wrong answer here, but agencies want to see that you understand what you are committing to.
The Assessment Process for Single Applicants
The assessment process is the same whether you are single, in a couple, married, or in a civil partnership. It typically takes 6–12 months and involves:
- An initial enquiry — you contact an agency and have an informal chat about your interest.
- A home visit — a social worker visits your home to meet you and see where the child would live.
- Background checks — DBS (criminal record) checks, references from people who know you well, medical checks.
- Preparation training — a training course (usually 3–5 days) where you learn about fostering, child development, attachment, and managing challenging behaviour.
- Home study assessment (Form F) — the most in-depth stage. A social worker visits you several times over a few months to build a detailed picture of your life, experiences, relationships, and readiness to foster.
- Panel and approval — your completed assessment goes before a panel of professionals and experienced foster carers who recommend your approval.
As a single applicant, you may find that the assessing social worker pays particular attention to your support network. This is not because they doubt your ability — it is because fostering can be isolating, and everyone needs backup. Having a friend who can look after the child for an evening, or a family member who is willing to be a named carer in emergencies, is genuinely important.
What Types of Fostering Suit Single Carers?
Single carers can do any type of fostering. However, some types are particularly popular among single applicants:
- Respite care — caring for a child on weekends or school holidays. This is a great way to start, especially if you work full-time.
- Short-term fostering — caring for a child for a few weeks to a few months while plans are made for their future.
- Long-term fostering — providing a permanent home for a child who cannot return to their birth family. Many single carers form lifelong bonds with the children they foster.
There is no type of fostering that is off-limits to single carers. Your agency will work with you to find the type that suits your circumstances, skills, and preferences.
Financial Considerations
Single foster carers receive the same fostering allowance as couples. The allowance is paid per child and is designed to cover the cost of caring for the child — food, clothing, activities, transport. Many agencies also pay a fee on top of the allowance.
For 2026–27, the government’s recommended minimum weekly allowances in England range from £175 (for children under 2) to £264 (for young people aged 16+), depending on the region. Many IFAs pay above these minimums.
Fostering income is tax-free up to a generous threshold (qualifying care relief), so most foster carers pay no income tax on their fostering earnings.
Tips for Single Applicants
- Build your support network now. Identify friends, family, or neighbours who would be willing to help. Your agency will ask about this.
- Be honest about your lifestyle. Agencies are not looking for perfection. They want to know the real you.
- Consider your work situation. Can you work flexibly? Could you reduce your hours? Some types of fostering (like emergency or full-time care) require more availability than others.
- Connect with other single foster carers. Many agencies have peer support groups. Hearing from someone who has been in your shoes can be incredibly reassuring.
- Do not self-eliminate. The biggest barrier for single people is often their own doubt. If you have a spare room, a stable life, and a genuine desire to help a child, you are worth considering.
The Bottom Line
Single people can foster. Single people do foster. And single people are brilliant at it. If you have been thinking about fostering but have held back because you are not in a relationship, do not let that stop you. England needs more foster carers of all backgrounds, and your relationship status is not a barrier.
The first step is simply to find out more. Check your eligibility or learn about the process. You might be closer to fostering than you think.