A few words about
Could you foster?
Foster carers come from all backgrounds and bring a wide range of life and work experiences.
Foster carers from a variety of backgrounds are needed as they have different life experiences, skills and qualities to help meet the needs of children and young people in foster care. They receive training and support to help them develop the skills to meet the needs of children in care. There are, however, some common criteria that need to be fulfilled by you:
Could you Foster Children? What are the requirements?
- to be at least 21 years-old (although by law you can apply to foster from 18)
- to have a spare bedroom big enough for a young person to live in
- to be a full-time resident in the UK or have leave to remain
- to be able to give the time to care for a child or young person, often on a full-time basis.
Additionally a few practical requirements:
- Spare bedroom in rented or owned property
- At least one carer at home full time or with reduced commitments
- Commitment to attend training & support groups
- Driving license, preferred but not essential
Qualities you should have to become a Foster Carer
Listening Skills: Do you hear and understand what children and adults are saying to you?
Optimism: Are you able to look on the bright side when times get tough and difficult?
Confidence: Can you handle difficult situations without feeling out of your depth?
Patience: Can you persevere even when you don’t seem to be getting immediate results?
Stability: Do you have a welcoming home and could you make children feel safe and secure?
Team Player: Can you share responsibility and work together with others, and ask for help and support when you need it?
Observational Skills: Can you see what is really going on beneath the surface?
Energetic: Are you full of energy and life?
Communication Skills: Do you get on well talking with children? can you speak on behalf of children and advocate for them?
Sense of humour: Do you have a good sense of humour? can you see the funny side of life?
Sympathy: Are you able to sympathise with children?
Other factors which we will be taking into account include:
- Your health – are you fit and able to foster for now and predictable future?
- Your home – is it safe for a child or young person?
- Your friends and family – are there people who can support you to foster?
- Your past – Any previous convictions
- Your experience with children and young people e.g. through volunteering
Myths about fostering – Don’t rule yourself out
Many people often exclude themselves from becoming a foster carer because of the various myths surrounding fostering, such as ‘I can’t foster if I don’t have my own children’ or ‘I can’t foster if I’m single’ or ‘I can’t foster if I’m over 60’. Read more ‘Myths surrounding fostering’.
Want to know if you can foster?
Find out if you meet the criteria to become one of our foster carers.
Ways To Get In Touch
Start the conversation today. Our team of friendly advisors are on hand to answer any foster care questions you may have. We can offer you honest and practical advice that can help you decide if becoming a Foster Carer is the right path for you
Call Us
Contact us by phone and one of our friendly fostering experts will be on hand for any foster care advice and support you require.
0123345 567 8910
Request Call
Contact us by phone and one of our friendly fostering experts will be on hand for any foster care advice and support you require.
Live Chat
Contact us by phone and one of our friendly fostering experts will be on hand for any foster care advice and support you require.
Contact Us
What to do next?
First of all, thank you for your interest to finding out more about UK Fostering, or already having decided to becoming a foster carer with us. There are several ways in which you can contact us:
Simply give us a call and an advisor will be happy to discuss any questions you may have on 0123456789 or contact us via email at info@allaboutfostering.co.uk. Please also see the section below for further options.
on 01234 567 8910
We are very approachable and you can have a chat with us about any queries or questions you may have. We are looking forward to your call.
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