The Department for Education has announced proposed changes to foster care rules aimed at encouraging more people to consider fostering, particularly single people, renters and those who work.
The proposals form part of a wider national effort to increase the number of foster families and make sure children who need care can grow up in safe, stable homes, ideally close to the communities they know.
What is changing nationally
The government has recognised that many people who could offer a loving, stable home for a child rule themselves out too early because they believe fostering is only for a narrow group of people.
The proposed changes are intended to challenge outdated assumptions about who can foster. This includes clearer messaging that, you -
- do not have to be married or part of a couple
- do not have to own your own home
- can foster while working, depending on the needs of the child and the type of fostering
The focus is on widening the pool of people who feel able to explore fostering, while keeping standards high and ensuring children’s needs always come first.
The proposals also emphasise the importance of proper assessment, training and ongoing support, recognising that fostering is skilled, demanding work that cannot be rushed or oversimplified.
What this means for Hull
For Hull Fostering, much of this approach already reflects how we work.
In Hull, we assess people based on their ability to meet a child’s needs, not on stereotypes about what a foster carer “should” look like. We already work with -
- single foster carers
- people who rent their homes
- carers who work, including shift work, flexible hours or part-time roles
What matters most is stability, availability for the child, and the ability to work as part of a professional team around them.
We talk openly with prospective carers about how fostering would fit into their real lives. That includes honest conversations about work patterns, housing, support networks and the type of care they may be best suited to offer.
Why this matters for local children
Hull, like many areas across the country, has more children needing foster homes than there are families currently approved to care for them. This gap means some children may wait longer for the right match or may need to be moved further away from their community than we would like.
When more people feel able to explore fostering, it increases the chance that children can -
- stay closer to their school and friends
- remain connected to their local community
- experience fewer moves and more stability
These things matter. Stability helps children feel safe, build trust and begin to recover from earlier experiences.
Keeping fostering honest and child-focused
While the government’s plans aim to widen access to fostering, it is important to be clear that fostering is not easy, and it is not right for everyone.
At Hull Fostering, we believe the best outcomes for children come from honest information and realistic expectations. Encouraging more people to consider fostering must go hand in hand with -
- thorough assessment
- high-quality training
- strong ongoing support
- respect for foster carers as skilled professionals
This ensures children are placed with carers who are prepared, supported and able to meet their needs.
Thinking about fostering in Hull
If you are single, rent your home, work, or simply never thought fostering was something you could do, these proposed changes are a good opportunity to find out the facts.
Hull Fostering offers clear, straightforward information and open conversations, without pressure. We will talk through what fostering could look like for you, what support is available, and whether it might be a good fit for you and for a child who needs care.
National plans can set the direction, but real change happens locally. One conversation at a time, one family at a time, and always with children at the centre.
Please email us at fostering@hullcc.gov.uk or call us on 01482 612 800 (option 2) to ask how fostering could fit into your life.