Become a Foster Carer in Norfolk & Suffolk
Join Solace Fostering and give a child in Norfolk or Suffolk the safe, loving home they deserve. We support you every step of the way — from your first enquiry through to approval and beyond.
Why Become a Foster Carer?
There are over 1,200 children in Norfolk and hundreds more in Suffolk currently in the care system, many of whom are waiting for a foster carer just like you. Foster carers come from all walks of life — you do not need to be married, own your home, or have children of your own. What matters most is your commitment to providing a safe, nurturing environment for a child who needs it.
At Solace Fostering, we are an independent fostering agency based in Gorleston-on-Sea, working across Norfolk and Suffolk. We are small enough to know every carer by name, and experienced enough to support you through every challenge fostering brings.
Could You Become a Foster Carer?
Most people are surprised to find they already meet the requirements. Here is what we look for:
You are over 21 years old
There is no upper age limit for fostering — what matters is your energy, health and commitment to a child's wellbeing.
You have a spare bedroom
You must have a spare bedroom available for your foster child. You can rent or own your home.
You are a UK resident with the right to work
You must be legally resident in the UK and have the right to work here. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
You have a stable, caring home environment
You can be single, married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting. What matters is a warm, safe home.
You can commit time and emotional energy to a child
Fostering requires patience, resilience and genuine care. You do not need to be perfect — just committed and open to learning.
You are willing to complete our training and assessment
All foster carers complete our pre-approval training programme. We support you throughout — it is designed to build your confidence, not test you.
You can be single, married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting. You can rent or own your home. You can be employed, self-employed or not working. If you are unsure whether you qualify, get in touch — we are always happy to chat through your circumstances.
The Support You Will Receive
Becoming a foster carer with Solace Fostering means you are never on your own. From your first placement onwards, you will have:
- A dedicated supervising social worker who knows you and your family
- 24/7 phone support, 365 days a year
- A generous fostering allowance and professional fee
- Access to ongoing training and personal development
- Regular carer support groups and social events across Norfolk and Suffolk
- Therapeutic support for children in your care
Foster Carer Allowances
As a Solace Fostering carer, you will receive a weekly foster carer allowances to cover the cost of caring for a child, plus a professional fee in recognition of your skills and commitment. Allowances vary depending on the age of the child and the type of fostering, but typically range from £154 to £270 per week as a minimum, with enhanced rates available.
Foster carers also benefit from generous UK tax exemptions through Qualifying Care Relief. Many of our carers earn between £20,000 and £35,000 per year, tax-free, depending on their experience and the number of children they care for.
For a full breakdown of current rates, please get in touch with our team.
How to Become a Foster Carer — Step by Step
1. Get in Touch
Fill in our enquiry form below or give us a call. We will have an informal chat to answer your questions and tell you more about fostering with Solace.
2. Initial Home Visit
A member of our team will visit you at home for a relaxed, no-obligation conversation. This is a chance for us to get to know each other and for you to ask anything on your mind.
3. Formal Application
If you decide to proceed, you will complete a formal application. We will carry out the necessary background checks, including DBS checks and references.
4. Skills to Foster Training
You will attend our Skills to Foster pre-approval training — an interactive course covering child development, safeguarding, trauma-informed care, and what to expect from fostering.
5. Fostering Assessment (Form F)
Your dedicated social worker will complete a thorough assessment of your home, background and motivations. This typically takes 4 to 6 months and is a chance to reflect on your strengths as a carer.
6. Approval Panel
Your assessment is presented to our independent fostering panel, who will make a recommendation on your approval. Once approved, you are ready to welcome your first placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a foster carer?
The process typically takes between 4 and 6 months from your initial enquiry to approval panel. This includes your application, background checks, Skills to Foster training, and the full fostering assessment (Form F). We work at a pace that suits you and keep you informed at every stage.
Do I need experience with children to foster?
No prior experience with children is required, although it can be helpful. What matters most is your commitment, empathy and willingness to learn. Our training programme is designed to equip you with everything you need to care confidently for a child.
Can I foster if I work full time?
It depends on the type of fostering. Emergency and short-term fostering can be challenging alongside full-time employment, but some types of fostering — such as respite or planned short breaks — may be more compatible. We will talk through your situation during your initial enquiry.
Can I foster if I have children of my own?
Yes. Many of our foster carers have their own children at home. We will discuss how fostering might work within your existing family during the assessment process, and make sure any placement is a good fit for everyone in your household.
Can I foster if I rent my home?
Yes. You do not need to own your home to become a foster carer. You will need your landlord’s permission and must have a spare bedroom, but renting does not disqualify you.
What is the difference between fostering and adoption?
Fostering is temporary — you provide a home for a child while they cannot live with their birth family, but the child remains in the care of the local authority. Adoption is permanent and gives you full legal responsibility for a child. Some long-term foster carers do go on to adopt, but the two processes are separate.
What types of fostering does Solace offer?
We offer short-term fostering, long-term fostering, therapeutic fostering, and foster carer training. Visit our services page for a full overview.
How do I get started?
Simply fill in the enquiry form below or call us on 07949 943667. One of our friendly team will be in touch within 24 hours.
Start Your Fostering Journey Today
Fill in the form below and one of our team will be in touch within 24 hours. There is no obligation — just a friendly conversation about whether fostering could be right for you.
Or call us directly: 07949 943667
Our friendly team is here to help.
andy@solacepartnerships.com alexander@solacepartnerships.com
Find Us
Beacon Innovation Centre, Beacon Park, Gorleston-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth NR31 7RA
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