Quick answer: there is no upper age limit for fostering in the UK. In England you must be at least 18 by law, but most fostering services ask for applicants to be 21 or over. Many foster carers start in their 40s, 50s and 60s, and some carry on into their 70s.
Minimum age to foster
Government guidance for England says you must be at least 18 to foster, and that most fostering services will require you to be at least 21. Councils and agencies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set similar expectations, usually 21. Younger applicants are not ruled out, but services will look closely at life experience, maturity and stability.
Is there a maximum age?
No. There is no upper age limit. What services care about is whether you are fit and well enough to meet a child’s needs, now and in the coming years. Every applicant has a medical as part of the assessment, and your GP’s report helps the service understand your health.
Fostering in your 50s, 60s and beyond
Older carers bring patience, experience and often more free time, especially once their own children have left home. Many are a great fit for:
- teenagers, who often benefit from a calm, experienced adult
- respite or short-break care
- long-term fostering for older children
- parent and child placements, where life experience is valuable
Services may think about your age when matching you with a very young child who could need a home for many years, but that is part of good matching, not a bar to fostering.
Other things that matter more than age
- a spare bedroom (see Can you foster if you rent?)
- the right to work in the UK
- time to care for a child (see Can you foster and work full time?)
- a stable home and a good support network
- being open to training and working with social workers
Wondering if you are the right age to foster?
Tell us your postcode and we will put you in touch with up to three fostering services near you. Free, no obligation.
Get matched with a fostering agencyFostering services are happy to discuss age on a first call. To compare services near you, find fostering services near you.
FAQs
What is the minimum age to foster in the UK?
By law the minimum age is 18 in England, but most fostering services ask for applicants to be at least 21.
Am I too old to foster at 60 or 65?
No. There is no upper age limit. You will have a medical, and the service will consider your health and energy when matching you with a child.
Can you foster in your 70s?
Yes, some carers continue fostering into their 70s. Services will look at your health and support network.
Can I foster at 21?
Yes, many services accept applicants from 21. They will look at your maturity, experience of caring for children, stability and support network.
