Independent fostering agency
Become a Foster Carer with Organic Fostering
Offer a child a safe home, everyday care and a place to belong. We prepare and support foster carers, with each child's needs, identity and relationships at the heart of our approach.
- Independent Fostering Agency
- Cultural Matching Specialists
- Informal First Conversation
A small beginning can change the direction of a life
Fostering means caring for a child in your home when they cannot live with their birth family. Some children need care for a short time; others need a home for longer.
You offer everyday care, patience and stability. We help you understand the role through assessment, preparation and ongoing support.
Wondering whether fostering could fit your life? Start with your questions below.A little space to think
What's on your mind?
You can be curious and unsure at the same time. Start with the thought that feels closest to yours.
Could I do this?A little curiosity. A few doubts.
How would life change?The everyday questions matter, too.
Would I have support?You are allowed to need a hand.
I'm already fosteringA new chapter. Your own pace.
Am I eligible to foster?Start with the practical questions.
A thought to take with you
You do not need to arrive with all the answers.
Foster carers bring different backgrounds and life experiences. Explore the role, the time you can offer and the support available before deciding on your next step.
A thought to take with you
Make room for the practical questions.
School runs, appointments, family time and the unexpected all matter. We will help you consider how fostering could fit your household and a child's needs.
A thought to take with you
Support is part of the role.
Ask about your supervising social worker, preparation, ongoing learning and advice when difficulties arise. You should understand the support before deciding to foster.
A thought to take with you
Your experience deserves a thoughtful conversation.
If you are considering a transfer, we can explain the process and discuss continuity for the children in your care. An initial conversation does not commit you to moving.
A thought to take with you
Start with the practical requirements.
You will normally need a suitable spare bedroom, time and flexibility, the right to work in the UK, and willingness to complete assessment, checks and training. You may be single or in a relationship, and rent or own your home. We will discuss your circumstances and our requirements with you.
One step at a time
Your route into fostering
Start a conversation
Ask questions and tell us what has led you to consider fostering.
Initial/home visit
We get to know your household and discuss your home, availability and support.
Apply & train
Complete your application and begin preparation for the fostering role.
Assessment
Work with an assessing social worker through checks, references and conversations.
Panel/approval
A fostering panel makes a recommendation; the agency decision maker makes the final approval decision.
Training and assessment can overlap. We will explain the likely timescales for your circumstances.
See the full fostering journeyNurture. Develop. Grow.
Why choose Organic Fostering?
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Matching
Matching that sees the whole child
Culture, faith, language, relationships and identity matter. We consider these alongside a child's individual needs when exploring a match.Preparation
Preparation for everyday fostering
Assessment and learning help you understand the role and build confidence for the realities of caring for a child.Support
Support around your household
A supervising social worker, ongoing learning and access to advice help you respond to the needs of the child in your care.Recognition
Recognition for a skilled role
Foster carers receive payments for active placements. We explain the allowance and any fee clearly, using our current payment policy.Types of fostering
Different children need different kinds of care
Explore the different ways you could offer a child a home.
Alongside you
Support built around the household
- Your supervising social worker
- Preparation and ongoing learning
- Advice outside normal hours for approved carers
- Contact with other foster carers
- Help navigating a child's education and health needs
Understanding payments
Fostering allowance
Payments help meet the costs of caring for a child and recognise the foster carer's role. Contact us for a clear explanation of our current allowances and what they include.
Plan with confidence
Estimate your fostering payments
Choose an arrangement to explore the financial support.
Estimated total for 52 weeks
Up to £32,500
Weekly maximum£625
Weeks in this estimate52
£625 × 52 weeks. Payments cover this arrangement as a whole.
An illustration of maximum payments for the weeks selected, not guaranteed income. The agreed amount depends on the placement and includes support for the child's care. It assumes a placement throughout the selected period and excludes additional payments, expenses and tax calculations.
See all weekly maximum rates
- One child
- Up to £625
- Enhanced placement
- Up to £1,380
- Two siblings
- Up to £1,218
- Two unrelated children
- Up to £1,250
- Parent and child
- Up to £1,167
Rates for two children are the combined arrangement amount.
Already fostering?
You can explore a transfer without making an immediate commitment
Your first conversation can help you understand the process and ask about support. If you decide to transfer, the child's welfare and continuity of care remain central, with the relevant services involved.
Explore transferring to us
A few useful answers
Common questions
Can I foster if I am single?
Yes, foster carers can be single or in a relationship. We will discuss the time, support and care you can offer.
Read moreDo I need to own my home?
You can rent or own your home. You will normally need a suitable spare bedroom and a stable home environment.
Read moreCan I work and foster?
It depends on the child's needs and your availability. Talk to us about your work and household commitments.
Read moreHow do fostering payments work?
Payments help with caring costs and recognise your role. Ask our team about current allowances and what they include.
Read more
Your next step
You do not need to have every answer before you call
Tell us what you are thinking and ask what matters to you. Our team will explain the next step without pressure or obligation.
An initial conversation is informal and does not commit you to applying.