You can foster children of any age from newborn babies or up to 18 years old.
The children and young people
Fostered children and young people can't live at home because their parents might be ill, have a drug or alcohol problem, or going through a particularly difficult time.
Many foster children will return to their families. Or they may need long-term fostering, or a permanent new family through adoption.
Most children keep regular contact with their families, especially if the plan is for them to return home. And their parents still have some responsibilities for them.
When the children see their family, it's usually away from your home: in a local children's centre for example.
See what young people say about being fostered.
Your role as a foster carer
Foster carer Jo explains what fostering means for her and her family.