Who Can Foster?
Who can foster?
Before you decide to call us at Fostering Connections, there are three basic requirements needed for Fostering. These are
You must be 21 years of age (although you can apply to to Foster from 18 years of age). We have no upper age limit for our Foster Carers.
Have a spare bedroom. Each child, according to the Fostering Regulations require a safe space they can call their own which is why the need for a spare bedroom. In some cases Siblings can share a room up to a certain age, however ideally each child placed in foster care would require their own room.
Be in Good Health. Being in good physical and mental health is essential for becoming a foster carer. As part of the process of becoming a foster carer you will be required to attend a medical at your local GP practice.
There are other requirements that need to be met for becoming a foster carer, all of which will be explained to you by the Fostering Connections team.
There are also many misconceptions about who can foster. Sexuality, Gender, relationship status, age, religion or ethnicity should not be a barrier to providing a child with a safe caring environment. As much as there is is diversity in children who need foster homes, foster carers need to come from a variety of backgrounds, have different life experiences, skills and qualities.
Will I be Assessed?
It is a legal requirement for all foster carers to go through an assessment process (typically called Form F). During the assessment process, which is often carried out by an independent social worker, you will be required to take a medical (normally carried out by your GP). All members of the household over the age of 18 will go through the assessment process with a DBS (Disclosure and Barring) check carried out on them, and any birth children under the age of 18 will be included in this process.
Help and Support is provided to you throughout the entire process and beyond.
If you are still unsure about whether you can foster with Fostering Connections, or have any questions that we may not have covered here, please give us a call or use our online form to have someone call you back.