Who Can Be A Foster Carer?

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• Who Can Be A Foster Carer?

There is no one type of person who becomes a foster carer. Just like children, foster carers come in all shapes and sizes, from all backgrounds and all walks of life. They are ordinary people who like children, have a genuine interest in their welfare and have the time and space to look after them.

If you are thinking of fostering there is no need to be a parent yourself but some experience of looking after children would be helpful. You don’t have to be married or in a partnership but your life should be stable and it helps if you have a strong family network or friends who can support you in life.

It isn’t necessary to be a home owner but you do need to have your own place, ideally with a spare room on the same floor as the other bedrooms. Babies under two years may share a bedroom with you but older children need to have their own space and privacy. Bear in mind that while converted lofts or dining rooms may work well for teenagers, younger children may need the security of being near the rest of the family.

All foster carers undergo health and criminal records checks.  You will not be able to foster if you have any convictions against children or for violent offences. If you have a criminal record for other offences you may still be able to foster but you will need to let us know so that we can check on your circumstances.

• Single, married, gay or lesbian
• Some experience of looking after children
• You have a strong partnership or family and friends
• Any cultural background
• Over 18 but there is no upper age limit
• Stable accommodation
• Good health. If you have a disability you can still foster if it does not prevent the caring tasks from being carried out
• Have a good understanding of the English language and are able to read and write
• Be able to use email and the internet, or be prepared to undertake basic  IT training
• Be willing to attend ongoing fostering training
• Agree to a full criminal records check

The kind of person you are is the most important thing about being a foster carer. Here is a list of some of the qualities we look for:

• You like children and enjoy their company
• You are able to accept children from other cultural backgrounds to your own
• You can be non-judgmental about a child’s birth parents and why a child is in care
• You understand that it may take time for a child to respond to you and may not show thanks
• You could accept or deal with an angry or distressed child
• You can accept that your house may become messy
• You have a sense of humour
• You can accept that a foster child is not your own and will someday move on