Every child deserves a safe, loving home. Foster carers make that possible. You might be closer to becoming a foster carer than you think.
You need to:
have the right to live and work in the UK
be able to take care of a child or young person
You need to be at least 18 years old. Most services prefer applicants to be 21 years old or over.
You do not need to:
have a specific background
have specific qualifications or experience
leave your job
Many foster carers work alongside fostering, depending on the child and their needs. If space is a concern, your fostering service can discuss your options.
You can foster more easily than you think
If you’ve ever considered fostering but felt unsure because of something you’ve heard, you’re not alone. Take a look at some common myths and uncover the truth behind them.
Working and fostering
Do I need to give up my job to foster?
No. Many foster carers continue to work while fostering. This depends on the child’s needs and the type of fostering you do. Your fostering service will help you find out what fits your life.
Do I need qualifications or specialist skills?
No. What matters is that you can provide a safe, stable and loving home. You will receive full training and support after approval, and that support continues throughout your entire fostering journey.
Your relationships
Can single people foster?
Yes. You can foster whether you are single, married, in a civil partnership, divorced or living with a partner. If you are in a relationship, it should be stable and supportive.
Can LGBTQ+ people foster?
Yes. LGBTQ+ people foster. Your sexual orientation or gender identity is not a barrier. Your ability to love and care for a child is what matters.
Your home and lifestyle
Do I need to own my home?
No. Renters can foster too. You will usually need a spare bedroom and your landlord’s permission. If space is a concern, speak to your local fostering service to discuss your options.
Can I foster if I have a pet?
Yes. Having pets is not a barrier to fostering. Pets can be a positive part of fostering. Your fostering service will discuss this with you during assessment. If a child has allergies or specific needs, this will be considered when matching.
Can I foster if I smoke or vape?
Yes. Smoking or vaping does not automatically prevent you from fostering. However, most fostering services will ask that you do not smoke or vape indoors, and children under five are unlikely to be placed in smoking households. Your fostering service will talk this through with you.
Age and health
Is there an upper age limit?
No. There is no upper age limit for fostering. Older applicants often bring valuable life experiences and make excellent foster carers.
Can I foster if I have a health condition or disability?
Yes. Health conditions or a disability do not automatically prevent you from fostering. You’ll need to be physically and emotionally able to care for a child. A medical assessment with your GP is required as part of the assessment.
Flexibility
Can fostering fit around my life?
Yes. If you have a few weekends to spare or want to provide a long-term home, there are different types of fostering that will suit you. Your fostering service will help you find the right type of fostering.
Other things you might be wondering about
Do I need to drive?
No. You do not need to drive or have a valid driving license. What matters is being able to support a child’s routines and get them to appointments and school. Your fostering service will discuss what this means for your situation.
Find your local service
If you’re interested in becoming a foster carer, speak to the fostering team at your local council to find out if fostering is right for you.
