Can I foster?

We work with a wonderfully diverse community of foster carers from all over the East Midlands. As a result, we know first-hand that people from lots of different backgrounds make brilliant carers.

What qualities do you need to be a foster carer?

Children have told us they need carers who are patient, understanding, empathetic and don't judge, caring, nurturing, generous and kind-hearted, organised, practical, resilient and adaptable. Most importantly you need to be able to have fun and have a good sense of humour.

You'll also need plenty of energy and good communication skills too.

Who can foster?

Most people can be considered as foster carers, but there are some requirements:

• ideally, you will have space in your home for a child. This can be a bedroom for the sole use of a foster child, or for 0-2 year olds, could be sharing the foster carers bedroom
• you must live in or very near to one of our local authorities
• if you don’t have your own children, we’d like you to have some experience of caring for or working with children or young people

Here is a step-by-step guide to who can foster, busting common myths and misconceptions.

Over 18

Legally you must also be at least 18 years old to foster, however we require that you are at least 21. We would look at your experiences and transferable skills which could be explored during your assessment.

Sexuality and gender

There are no limitations to fostering based on sexuality or gender, the important thing is making sure you can meet the needs of a child and provide the support and care they need.

Already fostering with another organisation?

Making the move to our fostering service is easy, you can join our many carers that have transferred to us from another fostering agency. Read more on our transfer to us page.

With or without children

Being childless or having children of your own does not impact your ability to foster. If your children are aged 18 or over and still living at home, they will be included within the assessment checks. If you have young children, they will be considered throughout. We will also involve them in the process in an age-appropriate way, see the how will fostering effect my family page.

Disabilities

People with disabilities make great foster carers. 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.

Home status

Whether you own your own home or rent, you can foster providing that you have a stable home.

Work status

You may be able to foster and work in another job. The assessment will explore how you will meet the needs of children and the type of fostering that would work best for you and your circumstances, alongside your working role. Some chose to change their current working arrangements to suit the new family arrangements.

Fostering Friendly companies can offer you many benefits to become a foster carer, read more on the fostering friendly employers page.

If you are claiming benefits, you can be considered for fostering.

Children elsewhere

As long as your children are on-board with you fostering and willing to be assessed as part of your support network, there is no problem with fostering when you have children living elsewhere. They may be required to be incorporated into certain checks, but this won't stop you from fostering.

Ethnicity

Within fostering you can be any race or have any cultural background. You should be able to communicate in English in order to meet the needs of the child and work with other professionals invested in their care.

Religion

We welcome foster carers from all religions. We will talk to you about how you can still practice your religion alongside meeting the identity needs of the child in your 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, for example offences against children or violent offences. 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.