One home.
A lifetime of
difference.
Excellence in foster care – We recruit, train and support foster parents to the highest standards, giving them the tools, confidence and resilience to provide exceptional care. Our foster parents are positive role models who nurture, advocate forand guide children as if they were their own.
Safe, therapeutic homes – Oakwood foster parents provide trauma-informed environments where behaviour is viewed as communication. Our homes offer emotional warmth, consistency and the care needed for children to grow and flourish.
Inclusion and team culture – We foster an inclusive, respectful team environment where every voice is valued from foster carers and children to staff and birth families. Diversity is celebrated and discrimination actively challenged.
Make time for reflection – As a trauma-informed organisation, we promote openness, reflection and lifelong learning. Our staff and foster parents are supported to think deeply, act ethically and grow professionally.
Innovation and ambition – We lead with purpose, explore new ideas and constantly look for ways to exceed expectations in the care we provide.
Responsiveness and growth – We are adaptable, responsive to change and committed to continuous improvement for the benefit of children, foster parents and communities.
Take the first step, talk to us about fostering today
Foster care is providing a safe, stable and caring home for a child who cannot live with their birth family. It gives children the love, security and support they need, whether for a few days, months, or longer. Foster carers play a vital role in helping children feel valued and giving them the chance to thrive.
Fostering is one of the most powerful ways to change a child’s life. By welcoming a child into your home, you offer them safety, love and the stability they need to feel secure and supported. If you are over 21, have a spare bedroom and a willingness to learn new skills you could be our next foster parent.
The rewards are huge. You can watch a child grow in confidence, heal from past experiences and thrive with your care. Along the way, you’ll gain new skills, build lasting relationships and join a supportive community of foster parents who share your commitment.
You don’t need to be perfect, just compassionate, patient and ready to make a difference. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, fostering could be the step that changes both your life and theirs. change to both your lives.
Fostering is open to people from every background, culture and walk of life. What matters most is your ability to provide a safe, stable and caring home for a child.
If you’re over 21, have a spare bedroom and can offer time, patience and empathy, you could make an incredible foster carer.
We welcome carers who are single, married, or in a partnership. We value people of every sexual orientation, ethnicity and life experience because diversity brings strength to fostering and helps us meet the unique needs of children.
You don’t need formal qualifications. What you’ll receive is full training, practical support and ongoing guidance so that you feel confident and well-prepared in your role. As part of the process, we’ll talk with you about your health, home and finances always with the aim of supporting you to succeed.
Yes you can make a living while you make a difference to a child. Oakwood Fostering pays generous allowances. The amount of fostering allowance a foster parent receives varies based on the child’s age, needs and the carer’s experience and training.
As a foster carer, you can continue to receive means-tested benefits. Payments for fostering are not counted as income, so you may still be eligible for financial support. Depending on your circumstances, this could include:
- Universal Credit
- Carer’s Allowance
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction
At Oakwood Fostering, you’ll never be on your own. From the moment you join us, you’ll receive full training, regular supervision and 24/7 support from our dedicated team. We’re here to guide you through challenges, celebrate successes and make sure you always feel confident in your role. You’ll also be part of a close community of foster carers who understand the journey and share their experiences. With Oakwood, you’ll have the knowledge, resources and encouragement you need to provide the very best care for children.
We believe that when foster carers are well-supported, children thrive.
Oakwood Fostering is more than a service, it’s a community.
