Fostering provides a temporary, safe, stable, and nurturing family environment for children and teenagers who are unable to live with their biological families for a period. Foster care aims to ensure these children receive the care, support and stability they need while longer-term plans for their future are being arranged. 

Children may enter foster care because of circumstances such as abuse, neglect, abandonment, family crises, illness, incarceration, or situations where their parents are temporarily unable to provide safe care. Foster care helps ensure that children can grow up in a stable, nurturing family environment and receive the love, care, and emotional support they need. 

Fostering is generally a temporary arrangement that provides care and stability for a child while efforts are made towards family reunification or another long-term care plan. Foster parents care for the child but are not the child's legal guardians. Adoption is a permanent legal arrangement in which parental rights and responsibilities are transferred to the adoptive parents. 

According to the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), foster parents should generally: 

• Married and applying together 

• Be at least 25 years old. 

• Be medically fit. 

• Be financially stable. 

• Have a safe and suitable home environment. 

• Be committed to caring for a child and working with professionals involved in the child's care. 

Eligibility criteria may change over time. Please refer to the MSF Fostering website for the latest requirements.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) assesses foster parent applications against a range of criteria, including a family's ability to provide a safe, stable and nurturing environment for a child. If you are a Permanent Resident, Employment Pass holder or another long-term resident in Singapore and are interested in fostering, we encourage you to contact MSF directly to discuss your circumstances and eligibility. As fostering policies and eligibility requirements may change over time, prospective applicants should refer to the latest information available from MSF. For more information, please visit the MSF Fostering website.

MSF manages applications to become a foster parent. The process typically includes information sessions, interviews, home visits, training and assessments before approval and matching. Go to the MSF website for more info.

The assessment process varies depending on individual circumstances. It may take several months, as MSF seeks to ensure that foster families are well prepared and that children's needs are appropriately met. 

Please refer to the latest eligibility criteria published by MSF, as fostering policies and eligibility requirements may change from time to time.

Many prospective foster parents assume they need a large home to foster. Housing requirements are assessed during the approval process, and suitability depends on factors such as the child's age, needs, and living arrangements. Prospective foster parents should discuss their circumstances with MSF during the assessment. 

The length of a foster placement varies with each child's circumstances. Some children may stay with a foster family for a few months, while others may remain for several years. The goal is always to provide stability and care while longer-term plans and reunification are made in the child's best interests. 

Children in foster care range from infants to teenagers up to 18 years old. Placement decisions are made based on the child's needs and the suitability of the foster family. 

Prospective foster parents may discuss their preferences and family circumstances during the assessment process. MSF makes placement decisions based on the child's needs and the foster family's suitability. 

Where it is safe and appropriate, children may maintain contact with their biological families. Decisions about family contact are guided by the child's best interests and are managed by MSF and fostering agencies. 

Transitions can be emotional for both children and foster families. Many foster parents find that, although saying goodbye can be difficult, they are grateful to have been part of a child's journey at an important time in the child's life. 

Foster families in Singapore are supported by the MSF and appointed fostering agencies. These agencies provide professional guidance, casework support, training and practical assistance throughout the fostering journey. 

Home for Good Singapore (HFG-SG) complements this support by providing peer support, mentoring, volunteer befriending, workshops, dialogue sessions, family activities and opportunities for foster parents to connect with others who share similar experiences. Together with MSF and fostering agencies, HFG-SG and the wider community work to create a supportive environment for children and families involved in foster care. 

Every fostering journey is unique. Some foster parents may encounter challenges related to children's emotional and behavioural needs, family transitions, reunification, education, or life experiences.  

Every fostering journey is unique. Some foster parents may encounter challenges related to children's emotional and behavioural needs, family transitions, reunification, education, or life experiences.  

For the latest information about fostering eligibility, applications and support, please visit the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) Fostering website.

Home for Good Singapore (HFG-SG) is a registered charity championing fostering in Singapore. We support foster families through programmes, community connections, and resources, and work with partners and stakeholders to build greater awareness and understanding of fostering. Our vision is for every child to experience the safety, stability, and care of a loving family environment. 

No. MSF and its appointed fostering agencies manage foster parent recruitment, assessment, approval and child placements. HFG-SG is an IPC-registered charity that supports foster families through community and peer support, programmes, and advocacy. 

No. MSF manages child placements. HFG-SG complements the fostering ecosystem through support programmes, community building, volunteer initiatives, and advocacy. 

You can stay connected by: 

• Becoming a member 

• Volunteering with us 

• Donating to support our work 

• Attending our programmes and events 

• Following us on social media 

HFG-SG provides programmes and initiatives that support foster families, including: 

• Mentor for Good - peer mentoring by foster parents 

• Buddy for Good - volunteer befriender support 

• Peer for Good – monthly peer support gatherings for foster parents 

• Workshops and learning opportunities 

• Dialogue sessions with stakeholders 

• Family activities and community-building events
  
  These programmes complement the professional support provided by MSF and the fostering agencies. Find out more about our programmes here.

Membership allows individuals who care about fostering and vulnerable children to join a growing community committed to supporting foster families in Singapore. Members receive updates on HFG-SG's work and opportunities to participate in programmes, events and advocacy efforts. Sign up for our membership here.

 Membership is open to individuals who support the mission and objectives of Home for Good Singapore, including: 

• Foster parents 
• Individuals exploring fostering 
• Volunteers 

HFG-SG organises peer support gatherings, workshops, mentoring opportunities, and community events that enable foster parents to learn from, encourage, and support one another. Join us as a member to connect with other foster parents.  

No. Foster parents, prospective foster parents, volunteers, donors, professionals and members of the public who support the fostering community are welcome to apply for membership. 

Please fill out our Membership Form to join as a member. If you have further questions, please write to us at enquiries@hfg.org.sg 

There are many ways to support vulnerable children and foster families, including: 

• Volunteering at events and programmes, e.g., child minding, event set-up and registration 

• Becoming a trained volunteer befriender through the Buddy for Good programme 

• Skills-based volunteering, e.g. photography  

• Raising awareness about fostering 

Not necessarily. Some volunteer roles require specific skills or training, while others are suitable for individuals who wish to support foster families and children. 

Training requirements vary depending on the volunteer role. Volunteers who work directly with children and families will receive additional training, screening and support. 

The level of commitment depends on the role. Some opportunities are event-based, while others involve regular engagement, such as monthly sessions over the course of a year. For more information, please see our programmes.

Volunteer roles vary. Some involve direct interaction with children and families, while others focus on supporting events, communications or professional support. Appropriate screening and training may be required for certain roles. 

Yes. Many foster parents share their experience by mentoring newer foster parents, speaking at events, supporting programmes, or participating in advocacy and awareness efforts. 

Depending on the nature of the role, volunteers may be required to undergo interviews, reference checks, training, or other safeguarding measures. 

Join us as a member. Membership is free, and an HFG-SG staff member will contact you.  

Your donation helps build a stronger fostering ecosystem in Singapore, so more vulnerable children can grow up in safe and supportive homes. With your support, HFG-SG can: 

• Support foster families through programmes and services 

• Train and equip volunteers as befrienders to journey alongside families  

• Organise workshops and dialogue sessions for learning and connection 

• Build peer support networks for foster parents and caregivers 

• Raise awareness and understanding of fostering in Singapore 

Your donation supports the programmes, services, and community support systems that foster families rely on every day. While HFG-SG does not provide direct cash payments to foster families, your contributions help equip them with training, resources, and a strong support network – so they can provide safe, stable, and nurturing homes for children in their care.  

Yes. Home for Good, Singapore Ltd is a registered charity and an Institution of a Public Character (IPC) in Singapore. Eligible donations may qualify for a tax deduction under prevailing regulations. 

HFG-SG works alongside stakeholders across the fostering ecosystem and collaborates with partners to support foster families. HFG-SG is an independent IPC charity and is not part of the Ministry of Social and Family Development. 

Yes. HFG-SG welcomes partnerships with businesses, schools, religious organisations, foundations and community organisations that share a commitment to supporting vulnerable children and families. Please write to us at enquiries@hfg.org.sg.  

You can donate to HFG-SG via our portal or Giving.sg.

Giving.sg is a trusted platform that allows you to donate easily and receive tax deductions for eligible contributions.  

Yes. Recurring donations provide sustained support for Home for Good, Singapore, and help ensure foster families and children receive consistent care and resources over time. They also enable us to plan and achieve long-term impact.  

You can set up a recurring donation easily via Giving.sg.

Every monthly gift, no matter the amount, brings us closer to building a stronger support system for children in foster care and for foster families.