Could you Foster Children? What are the requirements?

• to be at least 21 years-old (although by law you can apply to foster from 18)
• to have a spare bedroom big enough for a young person to live in
• to be a full-time resident in the UK or have leave to remain
• to be able to give the time to care for a child or young person, often on a full-time basis.

Additionally a few practical requirements:

• Spare bedroom in rented or owned property
• At least one carer at home full time or with reduced commitments
• Commitment to attend training & support groups
• Driving license, preferred but not essential

Qualities you should have to become a Foster Carer

Listening Skills: Do you hear and understand what children and adults are saying to you?

Optimism: Are you able to look on the bright side when times get tough and difficult?

Confidence: Can you handle difficult situations without feeling out of your depth?

Patience: Can you persevere even when you don’t seem to be getting immediate results?

Stability: Do you have a welcoming home and could you make children feel safe and secure?

Team Player: Can you share responsibility and work together with others, and ask for help and support when you need it?

Observational Skills: Can you see what is really going on beneath the surface?

Energetic: Are you full of energy and life?

Communication Skills: Do you get on well talking with children? can you speak on behalf of children and advocate for them?

Sense of humour: Do you have a good sense of humour? can you see the funny side of life?

Sympathy: Are you able to sympathise with children?

Other factors which we will be taking into account include:

• Your health – are you fit and able to foster for now and predictable future?
• Your home – is it safe for a child or young person?
• Your friends and family – are there people who can support you to foster?
• Your past –  Any previous convictions
• Your experience with children and young people e.g. through volunteering

Myths about fostering – Don’t rule yourself out

Many people often exclude themselves from becoming a foster carer because of the various myths surrounding fostering, such as ‘I can’t foster if I don’t have my own children’ or ‘I can’t foster if I’m single’ or ‘I can’t foster if I’m over 60’. Read more ‘Myths surrounding fostering’.