Find out more about fostering

Paula and Roman have been fostering with Trafford Council for 25 years. Could you change a young person's life through fostering?

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Who needs foster care

Children and young people who need foster carers vary in age from babies to teenagers and have a variety of needs. Children and young people can be in care for all sorts of reasons, their parents may have mental health problems or issues concerning drug and alcohol misuse.

There may be violence in the family and children could have been hurt or abused. Many of the children and young people have been through difficult and distressing experiences and may find it difficult to trust adults.

We particularly need foster carers who could look after teenagers or family groups of brothers and sisters.

Qualities of foster carers

Foster carers come from all walks of life. We are looking for ordinary people who can do an extraordinary job. You do need to enjoy being with children and young people, to be patient, understanding and tolerant with plenty of energy. You'll almost certainly need a sense of humour too. You don't need to be married, have children of your own or any direct previous experience but you will need room in your home for a foster child to have their own space.

We need flexible and reliable people who are up for a new challenge with the capacity and personal qualities to look after a child. We need carers who reflect children's ethnicity and can promote their religious and cultural heritage.

We can't promise anyone an easy time but we can promise that you will make a real difference in a child or young person's life.

What to do next

Request an information pack

If you have any questions contact our Fostering Service fostering@trafford.gov.uk or call us on 0161 912 3558. We have a number of Fostering Information Events where you can chat to our friendly team.