There are as many different types of foster carers as there are children in care
Foster carers can be married, single, divorced, or living in a same-sex partnership. When it comes to providing foster care, every kind of cultural, racial, and social background is as valued and respected as the next.
You do not need to be a homeowner, nor do you have to have a minimum monthly income. What matters to us is your ability to provide a safe and supportive home to a child who, for whatever reason, is temporarily separated from their family.
We get asked a lot about whether you need to have any special qualifications to apply to become a foster carer. The answer is no. We provide prospective carers with all the preparatory training they need to get started, and ongoing training too, to help them develop their professional fostering skills. So rather than qualifications, what we look for are the special qualities that would make you a good foster carer—like kindness, patience, commitment, and a real desire to help young people—in fact, all the same qualities as being a good parent, guardian, or role model.
Exploring the Possibilities of Fostering
Fostering is a unique and rewarding experience that can have a profound impact on both the child and the carer. At Family Fostercare, we believe that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to fostering, and we are committed to embracing the diversity of individuals who come forward to open their hearts and homes to children in need.
Diverse Backgrounds, Shared Purpose
One of the most important things to understand about fostering is that there is no single "type" of person who can foster. Whether you are married, single, divorced, or in a same-sex partnership, what truly matters is your ability to provide a stable and nurturing environment. We value and respect all cultural, racial, and social backgrounds, recognising that each brings its own unique strengths and perspectives to the fostering journey.
Your personal circumstances—such as whether you own your home or your monthly income—are not barriers to fostering. What counts is your commitment to offering a safe and supportive space for a child who, for various reasons, may be temporarily unable to live with their family. The most successful carers are those who are compassionate, patient, and dedicated to making a difference in a young person's life.
No Special Qualifications Required
A common misconception is that fostering requires specific qualifications. In reality, what is most important is having the right personal qualities and a genuine desire to help children. While you don't need formal qualifications, we do provide comprehensive training to ensure that you are well-prepared to meet the challenges and responsibilities that come with fostering.
Our training covers a wide range of topics, from basic care principles to more specialised areas such as trauma-informed care and managing complex behaviours. This ongoing support and development ensures that you are never alone on your fostering journey; we are with you every step of the way, helping you to develop your skills and grow in confidence.
Meeting the Basic Requirements
While fostering is open to a diverse range of people, there are some basic requirements that need to be met to ensure that you can provide the necessary care and support for a child. These requirements are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of the child and to help you fulfil the day-to-day responsibilities of fostering.
Firstly, you need to be over the age of 25. This age requirement reflects the level of maturity and life experience needed to handle the complexities of fostering. Additionally, you must have a spare bedroom for the child. This space is crucial as it provides the child with a sense of security and a place they can call their own, which is especially important given the upheaval they may have experienced.
Experience with children is also essential. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to have raised your own children; it could be experience gained through work, volunteering, or helping to care for younger siblings. This experience helps ensure that you are prepared for the realities of caring for a child and can respond appropriately to their needs.
In most cases, it is also important that you are able to drive and have access to a computer. Driving is often necessary for transporting the child to school, appointments, and activities. Having access to a computer ensures that you can manage any administrative tasks related to fostering and keep in touch with your support network.
Embracing the Challenge
Fostering is not without its challenges, but the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. The difference you can make in a child's life—offering them stability, guidance, and love during a turbulent time—cannot be overstated. For many carers, the experience is transformative, offering a deep sense of purpose and fulfilment.
If you’re considering fostering, we encourage you to reflect on whether you have the qualities that can make a difference: kindness, patience, resilience, and a strong commitment to helping young people. These qualities, more than any qualification, are what make a successful foster carer.
Basic requirements to foster
There are some fundamental requirements that we believe a foster carer should meet in order to be able to provide a safe and supportive home for a child and to carry out the day-to-day role of a foster carer. These are:
- Being over the age of 25
- Having a spare bedroom for the child to call their own
- Experience with children, either through work, raising your own children, or helping to care for younger siblings, for example
- In most cases, being able to drive and having access to a computer
If you think you could foster, please apply online today to receive our "Welcome to Fostering" pack with more information about fostering with us.