If you’re thinking of becoming a foster carer, first of all you need to ask yourself these questions:
- Can you empathise with a child who may never have experienced the security of feeling safe and loved?
- Can you be patient and flexible, to supportively adapt to whatever unique challenges may come from the child’s circumstances?
- Do you have the energy and health to provide a stable family environment for a child?
If you believe the answer to all those questions is yes, then there is a good chance you could be a foster carer. In this video social worker Sally Beaumont explains more about how to become a foster carer.
Types of foster carer
- Single, married or unmarried
- From any ethnic or religious background
- Heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender
- A homeowner or living in rented accommodation
- Employed or on benefits
- Those who have children or who have none
Other factors to consider
Am I old enough to foster?
There are no age limits to fostering but a fostering service will expect you to be mature enough to care for a child and work with social services and the child’s family to deliver the necessary care package.
Can I foster if I’m registered disabled?
Being disabled doesn’t exclude you from fostering a child. In fact, experience of disability can sometimes be an advantage.
What about my health?
Fostering services will need to be assured that you are healthy enough to cope with the rigours of caring for a child or young adult. What health issues will affect my application?
Do I need any qualifications?
You don’t need any specific qualifications to become a foster carer. You will be given all the training you require by your foster provider to develop your experience.
Find out about becoming a foster carer