Fostering in North Lincolnshire

For general guidance visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) information, advice and guidance.

To follow any changes to this service, visit the Council Service Updates page.

An outstanding place to foster

Taking the time to look into fostering is a first step towards a rewarding challenge for some people. Thank you for making that first step to help make a difference to a child’s life.

Fostering involves looking after children or young people in your own home while their own family is unable to do so. Some children may return to their birth families or other family members. Some may move on to a permanent home through adoption. Others may remain in foster care until they are ready to live independently.

People interested in becoming foster carers will be treated fairly, without prejudice and with respect at all times. Prospective foster carers are considered in terms of their capacity to look after children in a safe and responsible way that meets the child’s development needs.

Express an interest in fostering

Different types of fostering

There are several different types of fostering:

We believe that family care is the best provision of alternative care for most children or young people who become looked after. We recognise the crucial role foster carers have in making a difference to a child’s life.

See what our foster carers say about fostering

See what our foster carers have to say about fostering in North Lincolnshire.

Fostering Open Evenings

Are you interested in fostering? We are holding a number of Open Evenings throughout 2020. It is a great opportunity to find out about fostering.

The events are held once a month in Brigg, Scunthorpe or Epworth. They are on:

19 February 2020 at the Old School Inn, 10 Battle Green, Epworth at 6pm
19 March 2020 at Church Square House, 30-40 High Street, Scunthorpe at 6pm
22 April at Brigg Children’s Centre, Grammar School Road at 6pm
20 May at the Old School Inn, 10 Battle Green, Epworth at 6pm

Max Cards

The Max Card is a discount card for foster families and families of children with additional needs. Families simply show their Max Card upon entry to a venue in order to obtain free or discounted admission. Visit the My Max Card website for more information and a list of frequently asked questions.

North Lincolnshire foster carers will receive a Max Card on completion of the mandatory training.

Foster Carer Car Loans

As part of our commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety for children in our care, we are providing interest free loans to foster carers who need to buy a bigger vehicle in order to accommodate the whole family, including foster children.

If you are a foster carer with children in your care and you wish to purchase a new / second-hand vehicle to ensure their safety, you can take advantage of an interest-free loan.

You must:

Have a full driving licence
Intend to continue fostering for the council for the full period of the loan
Have children placed with you at the time of the loan or within three months before you apply for the loan

Apply for the Foster Carer Car Loan here