If you are considering foster caring, you may be wondering what requirements need to be met before you can be approved to welcome children into your home. One question that often comes up is, do you need a spare bedroom to be able to foster a child? The answer to this can be confusing as the answer depends on the age of the child and their needs.
The short answer is, you do need a spare bedroom to foster children over three years of age, and children cannot share their bedroom with other children in your household unless they are siblings who are fostered together.
You do not need a spare bedroom if you are fostering a child aged three years or under, as they can share your room for example with a cot or cotbed. We need to take into account how many children you are fostering and/or the size of your room, or any birth children you have living in your home too.
If you are unsure the best thing to do is contact our team via the form here or by calling us on 0300 019 0200.
Does it matter how much space I have in my bedroom?
Yes, you will need enough space in your bedroom to be able to fit a cot and any storage for items such as clothes and changing facilities.
There are no specific guidelines with regards to the size of the room e.g. square meterage, it more about the available space rather than the actual size of the room. This is because a smaller sized room with just a bed and storage could actually have more available space than a larger room full of furniture.
Your home and the suitability of your bedroom will be viewed as part of the application process.
Can children I foster share a bedroom?
Children who are unrelated can not share a bedroom. Children who are related can share a bedroom as long as you have agreement with your social worker.
As a child reaches their teenage years it is important they have their own bedroom so that they have their own personal space.
How can I find out more about fostering without a spare bedroom?
If you are interested in becoming a foster carer and are still unsure about the possibility of fostering when you don’t have a spare room, our team will be more than happy to answer any question you have. To get in touch simply call 0300 019 0200 or complete our enquiry form.
