The short answer
Yes — you can absolutely foster as a single person in the UK. There is no requirement to be married, in a civil partnership, or in any kind of relationship. What matters is your ability to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing home for a child.
What are the basic requirements?
The eligibility criteria are the same whether you're single or in a couple:
- You must be over 21 years old (no upper age limit)
- You need a spare bedroom for a foster child
- You must be a UK resident with the right to live and work here
- You must not have been convicted of an offence against a child
Notice that relationship status is not on this list. That's because it genuinely doesn't matter.
What about support networks?
One thing agencies will explore during your assessment is your support network. As a single carer, you won't have a partner to share the daily responsibilities with — so having trusted friends, family members, or neighbours who can help is important.
This doesn't mean you need a spouse. It means having people around you who understand your fostering commitment and can offer practical support when needed — whether that's school pickups, babysitting, or simply being someone to talk to.
Advantages of fostering as a single person
Single foster carers bring unique strengths:
- Undivided attention — you can focus entirely on the child without navigating couple dynamics
- Simpler household — fewer relationships for a child to adjust to
- Flexibility — decisions about the child's care are yours alone
- Strong role model — children see independence, resilience, and self-sufficiency
What about the assessment process?
The assessment (known as the Form F) is the same for everyone. A social worker will visit your home, explore your background, and assess your ability to care for a child. The process typically takes 4-6 months.
Being single won't count against you. What assessors look for is emotional maturity, stability, patience, and a genuine desire to help a child.
How to get started
The first step is to check your eligibility. Our 2-minute quiz will tell you whether you meet the basic criteria, and then guide you to the next steps including training and finding the right agency.