It’s Foster Care Fortnight (11 – 24 May) and Milton Keynes City Council is answering the most common questions it gets from local people about fostering, to debunk some myths.
During the fortnight, the city council runs activities to celebrate the incredible contribution of local foster carers, and to prompt more people to consider fostering with them in Milton Keynes.
Across Milton Keynes, there are 120 council foster carers looking after 185 children, including babies and toddlers, sibling groups, children with complex needs, and teenagers. More foster carers are needed to offer short and long-term placements, so children can continue to be looked after locally.
Foster carers who work with Milton Keynes City Council are offered tax-free competitive rates of pay, specialist training, a mentorship scheme and 24/7 expert support alongside access to the Fostering Network and local groups.
The top questions received by the city council:
Do I need to be part of a couple to foster?
No, you can foster if you’re single, married, in a couple or part of a family — what matters most is providing a safe, caring home.
Do I have to own my own home?
No, you can foster whether you rent or own your home.
What kind of support will I get as a foster carer?
With the city council, you’ll receive regular specialist support and training from MK-based professionals, and you’ll feel part of a team, with experts available to answer questions around the clock.
Will I need to give up work to become a foster carer?
Not necessarily. Many foster carers work, depending on the type of fostering and the needs of the child. Some people find the financial package we provide means they can work part time or in a different way.
Will I look after local children?
Yes, keeping children local is important to us, as it means they can stay at the same school and see familiar friends. Their social worker will be a local familiar face too.
Is fostering always a long‑term commitment?
No, there are many different options. Some foster carers specialise in short‑term care, including cover for other foster carers or care while other arrangements are being made for a child.
Do I need previous parenting experience?
While experience helps, it’s not essential — patience, understanding and commitment are key.
“Fostering has enriched our lives and had a really positive impact. While there have been some challenges, the benefits of being a foster carer far outweigh them. Being able to provide a safe and secure environment for a child is an incredibly positive thing to do.
There are still some misconceptions about what fostering is really about, so we’d encourage people to pick up the phone, speak to someone from the council, and find out more about the different types of care that are possible.”
Fostering could be for you whatever your age (minimum age 21) or personal circumstances. All you need is a spare bedroom and the ability to keep a child safe and well looked after.
For an informal chat with the fostering team, please call 0300 1312 797 or visit www.mkcounciljobs.org.uk/foster for more information.