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