We work with a wonderfully diverse community of foster carers from all over the region. As a result, we know first-hand that people from lots of different backgrounds make brilliant carers. The more foster carers we have from different backgrounds, the better the chances of finding the right homes for our children.
Qualities needed to be a foster carer
The key things we look for in a foster carer are patience, empathy and the motivation to make a difference in a child or young person's life.
You'll also need plenty of energy and good communication skills too.
List of factors that can impact who can foster
Age
You must be at least 18 years old to foster, though most foster service providers will require you to be at least 21. We’ll look at your experiences and transferable skills. We can explore these during your assessment.
There is no upper age limit when fostering. We have many older foster carers who are fantastic because they have valuable life experience and more time and space to dedicate to the children in their care. Foster care can provide another stream of income, especially as it is non-taxable.
Relationship status
If you want to foster, it doesn’t matter if you are married, divorced, or single. If you can support a child in your care, your relationship status is not significant. But if you are in a relationship, it needs to be a stable one.
Sexuality and gender
There are no limitations to fostering based on sexuality or gender. The important thing is that you can meet the needs of a child and provide the support and care they need.
With or without children
Whether you have children or not, this does not impact your ability to foster. If your children are aged 18 or over and still living at home, they will be included in the assessment checks. If you have young children, they will be considered throughout. We will involve them in the process in an age-appropriate way.
Home status
Whether you own your own home or rent, you can foster. You just need a stable home. In the majority of cases you will need a spare room.
Work status
Often you can foster whilst working in another job. The assessment will look at how you can meet the needs of the child and what age of child would be suitable for you to foster, alongside your working life. If you are applying as a couple, you could choose to change your current working arrangements to suit the new family arrangements.
Children elsewhere
There is no problem with fostering when you have children living elsewhere, as long as they agree, and are willing to be assessed as part of your support network. They may need to be incorporated into certain checks, but this won't stop you from fostering.
Ethnicity
Foster carers can be from any race or cultural background. You should be able to communicate in English to meet the needs of the child and work with other professionals invested in their care.
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.
Get in touch
Our team of fostering experts are always on hand to help. Speak to our fostering hub co-ordinators to find out more about who can foster, and the qualities we are looking for.