We are looking for foster carers who can offer safe, protective care for children. We are looking for people from all backgrounds and lifestyles.
Being assessed to become a foster carer can be quite intense, so you need to know that you are ready to start the process.
To consider fostering you need to:
- Be over the age of 21
- Be a resident in the United Kingdom
- Have a spare room
- Have been a non-smoker for at least 6 months (this includes e-cigarettes) if you wish to foster children under 5
- Have the time and energy to commit to the fostering process
- Be ready to be honest and open about your life experiences!
Can I foster?...
If I am not married?
Yes. You can foster as a single carer or as a couple in a partnership or marriage. If you are a couple you will both need to go through the fostering process and become joint carers.
If I am lesbian or gay?
Yes. if you are single or a couple.
If I am over 40?
Yes. You must be over the age of 21. We consider the age difference between you and a child, to ensure the best for the child, but there is no legal upper age limit.
If I already have birth children?
Yes. We will consider your own children’s needs as part of the fostering assessment process.
If I have a disability?
Yes. Many disabled people have fostered. Some disabled foster carers feel that their life experiences as a disabled person have given them some great strengths as a carer. Many also feel it equips them well to foster a child with a disability. Your social worker will discuss your disability with you. They will talk about the impact, if any, it has on your lifestyle and what the implications may be on a child.
If I am of a particular faith or culture?
Yes. We welcome foster carers from all faiths and cultural backgrounds.