Could I become a Foster Carer?
There is no such thing as a typical foster carer.
Like the children they look after, foster carers come from all sorts of different backgrounds, cultures and religions.
What they have in common is a genuine interest in helping children through a difficult time in their lives.
You can foster if you are:
- Married or living together
- Single, either male or female
- Lesbian or gay
- Experienced parents or, without your own children but, with significant experience of caring for children
- Unemployed or employed
- Retired but have the energy and interest to care for a child
- Living in your own home or in rented property
You will need to have enough time in your life and space in your home to care for a child or young person. You must have a spare bedroom.
As a carer you will need sensitivity and flexibility an ability to stick with children that may be troubled or display difficult behaviour at times. It also helps to have a good sense of humour!
You are unable to become a foster carer if you have been convicted of offences against children or offences of a serious nature. We will check all carers with the Criminal Records Bureau.
If you smoke or someone in your household smokes you will be unable to foster a child under the age of 5 or a child with disabilities
