Can I Foster?

If you have a spare room and have the time to devote to a child in care, then the chances are you can foster.

There are very few barriers and almost anyone can apply to foster:

  • You can be a parent already, or have no children of your own
  • You can be single, married or have a partner
  • You can be claiming benefits or in work
  • You can own your house or rent (as long as it’s stable)
  • You can apply to foster whatever your cultural background and religious beliefs
  • Your sexuality won’t prevent you from fostering
  • You can continue fostering past retirement age, as long as your health is good
  • You don’t need any formal qualifications
  • You DO need a spare bedroom

A criminal conviction under the Children Act will automatically preclude you however other lesser crimes may not. It is important that you disclose any convictions at the outset of your assessment.

Everyone wanting to become a foster carer undertakes an assessment that explores your individual skills and experiences. The assessment provides you with information about how to foster children and how becoming a foster carer will affect you, your family and your friends. The assessment can take upto 6 months. If you have children, it is important that you talk with them at an early stage about being part of a fostering family. Becoming a foster carer and fostering children holds many challenges for fostering families.

It is a big step that everyone in the household should approve of and be fully involved in. Fostering can be hard work at times but the rewards far outweigh the difficulties.

Above all, you need the time and energy to invest in a child or young person, flexibility, patience and lots of understanding!

If you feel you have what it takes to be a Foster Carer contact us today on 01440 732010.

 

If you feel you have what it takes to be a Foster Carer contact us today on 01440 732010.