Basic requirements to become a foster carer

Age: Be at least 21 years-old although you can apply to foster from 18. There is no upper age limit, as long as you are healthy and able to meet the needs of a child.

Residency: You must have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom.

Home: You need to have a spare bedroom for a foster child. You can own or rent your home.

Time: You should have enough time to dedicate to fostering. This does not necessarily mean you cannot work, but you need to be able to prioritise the needs of a foster child.

Health: You should be in good physical and emotional health to meet the demands of caring for a child.

Experience: While not mandatory, experience with children is beneficial. This could be through parenting, work, or volunteering.

Background Check: You will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Minor offenses do not automatically disqualify you, but this will be discussed during the assessment process.

References: You will need to provide references from people who can vouch for your character and ability to care for children.

Stability: Your home life should be stable. This includes financial stability and stable relationships if you are in a partnership.

Commitment to Learning: You should be willing to undergo training and continue learning throughout your fostering journey.

Support Network: Having a strong support network of family and friends can be beneficial but not mandatory.

Communication Skills: You should have good communication skills and be able to work as part of a team with social workers and other professionals.

Flexibility and Resilience: Fostering can be challenging, so you need to be adaptable and able to handle difficult situations at times.