Becoming a foster carer is one of the most rewarding and life-changing commitments a person can make. Foster carers provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for children who, for various reasons, cannot live with their biological families.

While the process of becoming a foster carer differs from country to country, the core requirement remains the same: a willingness to provide love, care, and support to vulnerable children.

In this guide, we’ll explore the process of becoming a foster carer in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Ireland, highlighting key requirements and recent developments in each country.

Foster care in Australia has a long history, and demand for carers continues to grow. As of June 2023, there were over 46,000 children in out-of-home care, with foster carers providing vital support to many of these children.

Be at least 21 years old (varies by state/territory).

Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

Pass a Working with Children Check and police background check.

Complete foster care training provided by the relevant state or agency.

Have a safe and stable home environment.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are significantly overrepresented in foster care, making up 40% of children in out-of-home care, despite being just 5.9% of the total child population.

Each state and territory has its own fostering services, so it’s best to check local government websites for specific details.

New Zealand’s foster care system has been under scrutiny in recent years due to historical failures in child welfare. In 2024, the government issued a formal apology to victims of abuse in state and faith-based care, highlighting the importance of reform and accountability.

Be at least 20 years old.

Pass a police background check.

Complete caregiver training through Oranga Tamariki (Ministry for Children).

Participate in a home study assessment.

New Zealand is making big reforms in its child welfare system, with increased focus on placing children in culturally appropriate homes, particularly for Māori children, who are disproportionately represented in care.

The UK has one of the most structured foster care systems in the world, with different types of fostering available, including short-term, long-term, emergency, and therapeutic fostering.

Be at least 21 years old.

Have a spare bedroom for the foster child.

Pass a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.

Complete training and preparation courses.

Be able to provide a stable home environment.

The UK has Family Drug and Alcohol Courts (FDACs) to help parents struggling with addiction. These courts offer support to help parents rehabilitate and reunite with their children rather than placing them in long-term foster care.

For those interested, local authorities and independent fostering agencies (IFAs) provide guidance on starting the application process.

Foster care in the U.S. operates at the state level, meaning requirements can vary widely. However, the fundamental process remains similar across all states.

Be at least 21 years old.

Pass FBI fingerprinting and background checks.

Complete a home study assessment.

Participate in pre-service training (usually 20-30 hours).

Meet the income and home safety requirements set by each state.

Approximately 6% of all children in the U.S. will experience foster care before turning 18. The U.S. also has a high number of children aging out of the system each year, leading to advocacy efforts to improve transitional programs for foster youth.

Each state has its own Department of Child Services or equivalent agency that provides detailed information on fostering requirements.

Foster care in Canada is managed at the provincial and territorial levels, leading to variations in the application process.

Be at least 18 or 19 years old, depending on the province.

Pass criminal record and child welfare checks.

Complete a home study and safety assessment.

Attend foster parent training.

Indigenous children make up over 50% of children in foster care, despite Indigenous people comprising less than 8% of Canada’s population. Reconciliation efforts are underway to ensure Indigenous children remain connected to their culture and communities.

Ireland prioritises foster care over residential care, with over 90% of children in care placed with foster families.

Be at least 25 years old.

Pass Garda (police) vetting.

Complete an extensive home study assessment.

Participate in Tusla (Child and Family Agency) foster care training.

Ireland has one of the highest rates of children in family-based foster care in Europe, demonstrating a strong national commitment to providing stable, loving environments for children.

Foster care is a vital component of child welfare systems worldwide. While each country has its own regulations and challenges, the core mission remains the same: providing safe and nurturing homes for children in need.

If you’re considering becoming a foster carer, reach out to your local child welfare agency to learn more about the application process and requirements in your country. Your decision to foster could change a child’s life forever.

For more information, visit your country’s official foster care website or speak with local fostering agencies to start your journey today.