Yes, you may be able to foster if you work full-time. Many people are surprised to learn that being employed does not automatically prevent you from becoming a foster carer. Whether fostering can work alongside your job will depend on your circumstances, the needs of the child and the type of fostering you are interested in.
At South Gloucestershire Council, we assess each application individually. What matters most is whether you can provide the time, care and flexibility a child or young person needs.
Do you have to give up work to foster?
Not always. Many foster carers continue working while they foster. Some work part-time, some work from home and others remain in full-time employment.
The key question isn’t whether you work, but whether you can meet the needs of a child in your care. Foster carers need to be available for appointments, training, meetings with professionals and, most importantly, to support the child day to day.
What happens during the assessment?
During your fostering assessment, we’ll talk about:
- Your working hours
- Whether you work from home or travel
- Your flexibility to attend meetings and appointments
- Childcare arrangements
- The type of fostering you’re interested in
We’ll work with you to understand how fostering could fit alongside your existing commitments.
What types of fostering might work alongside employment?
Some fostering arrangements may be more suitable than others for people who work.
For example, foster carers supporting older children and teenagers who are at school may find it easier to balance employment than carers providing emergency or specialist foster care, where availability during the day may be more important.
Every situation is different, which is why we’ll discuss the options available during your assessment.
What about childcare?
Children in foster care should not usually be placed in full-time childcare while their foster carer is at work.
However, depending on a child’s age and needs, arrangements such as:
- Breakfast clubs
- After-school clubs
- Holiday provision
- Support from family members
may sometimes be appropriate.
The child’s needs will always come first when decisions are made.
Is flexibility more important than hours?
Often, yes.
Many employers now offer:
- Flexible working
- Hybrid working
- Home working
- Compressed hours
These arrangements can make fostering easier to combine with employment.
If you have flexibility to attend important meetings, school events and appointments, this can be a significant advantage.
What support will I receive?
When you foster with South Gloucestershire Council, you’ll be supported every step of the way.
Support includes:
- A dedicated supervising social worker
- 24/7 support, 365 days a year
- Ongoing training and development
- Access to our Mockingbird fostering community
- Therapeutic support through WAYPOINT
- Regular coffee mornings and support groups
You’ll never be expected to manage challenges on your own.
Why do working people make great foster carers?
People who work often bring valuable skills to fostering, including:
- Time management
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving
- Patience and resilience
- Experience building relationships
Children in care benefit from carers with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and skills.
Don’t rule yourself out
One of the biggest myths about fostering is that you have to be at home full-time to become a foster carer.
The reality is that many foster carers successfully combine fostering with employment. If you have a spare bedroom, the right values and a desire to make a difference, it’s worth having a conversation with us.
We can help you explore the types of fostering that may fit around your family life and work commitments.
More questions about fostering?
This article is part of our Fostering FAQs Hub, where you’ll find answers to other common questions, including:
- Can I foster if I’m single?
- Can I foster if I have children?
- Can I foster if I rent my home?
- Can I foster if I have pets?
View all Frequently Asked Questions.
Could you foster?
If you’d like to find out more about fostering with South Gloucestershire Council, we’d love to hear from you.
Call: 01454 866 423
Email: foster@southglos.gov.uk
