Become a foster carer

Children and young people need to be looked after by Cumberland Council for all sorts of reasons. Many looked after children have not had the positive family experience that most children have, but all it takes is one foster carer to make that difference. By becoming a foster carer with Cumbria Fostering you could give a child the loving home they deserve and help to shape their future.

People from all walks of life can become foster carers. Your background, life skills and experience can help support the children and young people you care for. If you have room to spare in your home and a lifestyle that has room for a child, then why not become part of Cumbria's biggest family?

Support for our foster carers

We know that fostering is one of the most rewarding and important role anyone can take on. That’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way.

We offer a comprehensive package of payments, training and ongoing support, so you can focus on what matters most, the children in your care.

When you foster with us, you’re never on your own.

Support and community

What we offer:

• comprehensive training before you begin and throughout your journey
• a dedicated social worker to guide and support you
• 24/7 support line, so there’s always someone to talk to
• regular support groups, events, and peer mentoring
• access to therapeutic and emotional wellbeing support
• specialist support for children with additional needs or backgrounds
• membership of The Fostering Network, the UK’s leading fostering charity
• be part of a Mockingbird Constellation – a model offering extended peer support

Financial support

Financial support you can receive:

• competitive fees based on your experience, availability, and number of placements
• child maintenance allowance for daily essentials
• retainer payments for up to 8 weeks per year without a placement
• tax relief, meaning low or no tax and National Insurance on fostering income
• set-up costs covered, such as beds, uniforms, or baby equipment
• mileage reimbursed for approved travel
• discounts for local and national services

Training and development

We offer a wide range of flexible, high quality training:

• Skills to Foster, our essential introduction course
• self-guided online courses to fit your schedule
• live online training on key topics
• in person sessions across various local venues across Cumbria

Find out more

We value our foster carers deeply and we invest in you so you can give the best care to the children who need it most. We’d love to hear from you.

Our Cumbria Fostering website provides information on:

• how to enquire or apply to be foster carer
• the steps it takes to become a foster carer
• the different types of fostering

Get support on our Cumbria Fostering website