Who can foster?
We work with a wonderfully diverse community of foster carers from all over the North East. As a result, we know first-hand that people from lots of different backgrounds make brilliant carers.
Here is a step-by-step guide to who can foster, busting common myths and misconceptions.
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Over 18 (21 for some partners)
You must also be at least 18 years old to foster, though most foster service providers will require you to be at least 21. We would look at your experiences and transferable skills which could be explored during your assessment.
See more (Go to Over 18 (21 for some partners)) -
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Relationship status
It does not matter if you are married, divorced, or single to foster. As long as you can support a child or children in your care, your relationship status is not significant. If you are in a relationship you need to be in a stable relationship to foster.
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Sexuality and gender
There are no limitations to fostering based on sexuality or gender, the important thing is making sure you can meet the needs of a child and provide the support and care they need.
See more (Go to Sexuality and gender) -
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With or without children
Being childless or having children of your own does not impact your ability to foster. If your children are aged 18 or over and still living at home, they will be included within the assessment checks. If you have young children, they will be considered throughout. We will also involve them in the process in an age-appropriate way.
See more (Go to With or without children) -
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Home status
Whether you own your own home or rent, you can foster providing that you have a stable home.
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Work status
You may be able to foster and work in another job. The assessment will explore how you will meet the needs of children and what age of child would be suitable to foster, alongside your working role. If applying as a couple, some chose to change their current working arrangements to suit the new family arrangements.
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Children elsewhere
As long as your children are on-board with you fostering and willing to be assessed as part of your support network, there is no problem with fostering when you have children living elsewhere. They may be required to be incorporated into certain checks, but this won't stop you from fostering.
See more (Go to Children elsewhere) -
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Ethnicity
Within fostering you can be any race or have any cultural background. You should be able to communicate in English in order to meet the needs of the child and work with other professionals invested in their care.
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Criminal record
Minor offences should not count against you in your application to foster. However, you will be asked to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The check will highlight any criminal conviction that would make you unable to foster. If you have any concerns about your eligibility to foster, please don't hesitate to get in touch - we will be able to advise you and put your mind at rest.
See more (Go to Criminal record)
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