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Could you be a foster carer?

Children in care need you!

There is a massive shortage of foster carers in the UK  - around 10,000 - so why not look into it yourself if you think you may have the qualities needed to look after children who cannot live with their parents? Firstly, let's dispel a few myths that sometimes put people off:

  • There's no upper age limit for foster carers
  • You can foster regardless of whether you have your own children or not
  • It doesn't matter if you are single, married, living with a partner or what your sexual orientation is
  • You can be in or out of work
  • You don't have to own your home 

If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, the first thing you should do is contact your local fostering service (either the children's services department of your local council or an independent fostering provider) to discuss it with them. They will help you decide whether it's right for you.  This link takes you to the Fostering Network's special website for anyone who is interested in becoming a foster carer.  You can use it to find your nearest local authority fostering team and also near-by independent fostering providers (and lots more information): http://couldyoufoster.org.uk

Once you settle on your choice of fostering service and they have agreed to start your assessment to become a foster carer, a social worker will help you fill in an application form and you will be asked to attend group preparation sessions with other people who are applying.

You will be asked to agree to various checks including one with the Criminal Records Bureau to make sure you haven't committed an offence that would exclude you from fostering. You will also need to have a health check.

Finally an assessment report will be sent to the organisation's fostering panel which will recommend whether or not you can become a foster carer.

Remember - the more foster carers there are to choose from, the more likely it is that a good match can be found for each child; a carer who shares their interests, culture, lives in their area and is properly prepared to meet any particular emotional or psychological needs a young person may have.  And that means less movement and instability in their lives, and a better quality of life within - and after - care.