Brought to you by
Hampshire County Council Fostering Services
There is no single answer - and that’s exactly the point.
When people imagine a foster carer, they often picture someone who fits a very specific mould.
In reality, foster carers in Hampshire come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds, lifestyles and circumstances. What unites them is not who they are, but what they firmly believe: children deserve to feel safe, cared for and supported to reach their potential.
No such thing as a ‘typical’ foster carer
People who foster in Hampshire include:
- Single people and couples
- Homeowners and renters
- People in full‑time work, part‑time work or not currently working
- Those with children of their own and those without
- People of all ages and from a wide range of cultures, faiths, genders and sexual orientations.
Some carers foster for many years, others offer short‑term or emergency care. Some have jobs or run businesses alongside fostering, while others focus on fostering as their main role. There is no single pathway into fostering.
Why diversity matters in foster care
Children who come into care do so at different stages of their lives and from varied backgrounds. Having a diverse community of foster carers helps ensure that children can:
- Feel understood and accepted
- Maintain a sense of identity and belonging
- Be supported in ways that reflect their individual needs.
In Hampshire, foster care is about matching the right carers with the right child, taking into account lifestyles, locations and family circumstances so children can experience as much stability as possible.
What really matters
You don’t need to have all the answers on day one. What matters most is:
- Patience and empathy
- A willingness to listen and learn
- The ability to offer a safe, stable home
- An understanding that support is part of the journey.
Fostering isn’t about being a certain type of person. It’s about being open‑hearted, dependable and supportive, and being willing to make a difference when a child needs it most.
Hampshire fostering values
A key value of Hampshire’s Fostering Service is that foster carers should never feel alone. From the very first enquiry, applicants are supported at their own pace with opportunities to ask questions and explore fostering without pressure.
Once approved, carers receive ongoing support from a close team and benefit from the unique Hampshire Hive model – small, local support groups led by a Carer Support Worker, bringing together foster families from the same area for practical and emotional support.
Could it be you?
So, who becomes a foster carer in Hampshire?
The answer is simple: people from many different walks of life, bringing their own experiences, values and strengths into fostering.
If you’ve ever wondered whether fostering might be possible for you, it’s worth finding out more. Because whoever you are, you might be exactly the right person to foster.
To find out more, download an information pack or arrange a chat with one of our team, visit hants.gov.uk/fostering
