recommend a friend
care friends
there is nothing better than a current foster carer for spreading the word, you are the best advert for fostering
You already know how rewarding it is to foster a child — now you can help others start their journey and earn instant rewards with the Care Friends app.
wales needs more Foster Carers like you — and you can help!
With the Care Friends app, you can easily pass on sharable information about fostering with your friends, family, and community – and (importantly) include a clickable link to make sure they contact the right team. Every time someone you know enquires you will receive £20 in points (1 point = £1). A successful Home Visit provides 40 points and if your friend goes on to be approved by Panel another 240 points as a thank-you for helping find loving homes for children in need*
You’ve experienced first-hand the joy and impact of fostering, which makes you the perfect person to inspire others in your community to do the same.
“The Care Friends app is so easy to use. Generating points was so easy and I shared my story on Facebook with friends who have helped cascade the message.”– Tim, Foster Carer
start referring today
The first step is to register your name, email and phone number, then download the free Care Friends app now and start sharing the gift of fostering. Every time you share a fostering advert you could change another child’s life—and a little bonus for you to spend on a treat for the family.
*Terms and conditions apply
how does it work?
The Care Friends app makes it easy for foster carers to refer their friends, social media connections and family to become foster carers too. Here’s how:
- Register – Ask your local team for the sign-up link specifically for foster carers with Foster Wales.
- Download the App – Foster carers can download the Care Friends app FREE from the App Store or Google Play onto their personal smartphones.
- Share Fostering Opportunities – Within the app, you can view current fostering opportunities locally or in other areas and share them with friends, family, or anyone you meet via SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook, and more.
- Earn Rewards – For each enquiry, successful Home Visit and Panel approval, you instantly receive points that can be converted into financial rewards.
By using the Care Friends app, foster carers can play a crucial role in recruiting new carers and helping more children find loving, stable homes.
frequently asked questions (FAQs)
who can use the Care Friends app to refer foster carers?
The app is designed for existing Local Authority foster carers in Wales who want to refer friends, family, or colleagues to become foster carers as word of mouth is the most effective way to recruit. It is not available for foster carers with an Independent Fostering Agency
how much can I receive for each referral?
The total reward amount is 500 points (£500) for each enquiry you generate that goes on to become a foster carers for at least 3 months. The app displays the points and rewards available for each successful referral stage.
do I have to pay tax on the rewards I earn?
The rewards you earn through the Care Friends app may be subject to tax, depending on your total income. We recommend checking with HMRC or a financial advisor to see if your earnings need to be declared.
will the rewards I earn affect my fostering allowance?
No, your fostering allowance is considered a separate payment.. However, if you receive benefits or tax credits, it’s a good idea to check if extra income impacts them.
what happens if my friend is interested in fostering but isn’t ready to apply yet?
Even if someone isn’t ready to apply immediately, they can register their interest and learn more through their Local Authority fostering team. You still get recognition for starting the conversation and raising awareness.
how does the app ensure that information I share is accurate?
All the content in the app is approved, so you can confidently share fostering opportunities knowing the information is correct and up to date.
can I refer more than one person?
Yes! The more people you refer, the more rewards you can earn—but please only share the details of one person in the family.
how do I get started?
Simply register by scanning the QR code or clicking the link to create an account then download the Care Friends app and start sharing fostering opportunities with your community. It’s that easy!
who is behind Care Friends?
Care Friends was originally set up to solve the recruitment crisis in Adult Social Care and is used by over 90,000 care workers in the UK and Australia. It has won the prestigious King’s Award for Innovation on the personal recommendation of the Prime Minister to His Majesty The King in 2023. It is part-owned by the charity Skills for Care, which is the Department of Health and Social Care’s delivery partner. The app is operating in partnership with Foster Wales.
what happens if I refer someone outside of my Local Authority area?
Even if your friend lives outside of your local area, but still in Wales, you can share an advert for their local team and still earn points.
