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Interested in Becoming a Foster Carer?
Fostering is an incredibly rewarding way to make a real difference in a child’s life, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you’re considering becoming a foster carer, here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, some common myths, and how to get started.
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Eligibility to Become a Foster Carer
Fostering is about having the heart and commitment to help a child, and we believe anyone who’s ready can do it. Here’s what you need to know:
- Age: You need to be at least 18 years old. There’s no upper age limit, as long as you’re healthy and able to care for a child.
- Health: You don’t need to be in perfect health, but you should be physically and mentally well enough to provide care. We’ll support you through this.
- Accommodation: You’ll need a spare room for the child, but it doesn’t have to be a big house—just a safe and comfortable space where they feel at home.
- Blue Card: You must be able to hold a Blue Card (working with children check) to ensure the safety of the children in your care.
- Commitment: Fostering requires emotional energy and time. You’ll need to be ready to invest in the child’s well-being, whether you’re fostering short-term or long-term.
How to Get Started: Let’s Talk!
If you’re interested in becoming a foster carer, give our team a call! We’d love to chat with you about what fostering is really like, answer any questions you have, and help you figure out what situation suits you best.
Not ready to fully commit? Respite care might be the perfect option for you. This is a flexible way to support other carers by providing short-term care whenever it works best for your schedule.
Whether you’re interested in short-term, long-term, or respite care, we’ll help guide you through the process and support you in making the best decision for you and the children who need care.
Ready to make a difference? Reach out to us today and let’s talk about how you can start your fostering journey!
Foster Carer Links
There are many misconceptions about fostering,
so let’s bust a few myths and clear things up:
Myth #1: You need to own your own home to foster.
Reality: Not true! Whether you rent or own your home, as long as you have a stable and caring environment with a spare room, you can foster.
Myth #2: You need to be in a couple to foster.
Reality: Fostering is open to everyone! Whether you’re a single person, a married couple, or a same-sex couple, what matters is your ability to provide a loving, stable home for a child.
Myth #3: You need to live in the countryside or have a big house.
Reality: Fostering is for people in all kinds of living situations. Whether you live in the city, the suburbs, or the countryside, or whether you live in a flat or a house, as long as you have a safe, stable environment, you can foster.
Myth #4: You can’t foster if you work full-time.
Reality: You can absolutely foster while working full-time! Many foster carers balance work and fostering successfully. We offer flexible fostering options that can fit around your job and lifestyle.
Myth #5: You can’t foster if you already have children at home.
Reality: Having children at home is not a barrier to fostering. Many carers with their own children choose to foster. It’s a wonderful opportunity for your children to grow up learning about empathy, compassion, and helping others. We’ll support your whole family through the process.
Myth #6: Foster children are always troubled or difficult.
Reality: Every child is unique. While many children in care may have faced challenges, they are just like any other child. With the right support, love, and care, they can thrive in a safe, stable environment. We’ll help you understand the child’s needs and provide the tools to help them succeed.
Myth #7: Fostering is a permanent commitment.
Reality: Fostering can be flexible. You can choose the type of fostering that works for you—whether it’s short-term, long-term, or respite care.
Even if you’re not ready for a long-term commitment, providing weekend respite care is a great way to offer support while making a lasting impact on a young person’s future.
