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I am a single person – can I be a foster carer?
Yes as a single female or male. Your application will be measured against
all the other criteria.
What age can I be a foster carer?
People need to be at least twenty one years old. Younger applicants need
to evidence actual understanding and abilities in regard to fostering
i.e. growing up in a fostering family or working with children in a care
situation. There is no upper age limit for people wishing to become foster
carers for Fostering Relations but clearly people need to be fit and active
to undertake this role.
Do I need to have a spare room?
Yes. It is important to afford children and young people privacy within
the home. It is also a means of minimising risk. It may be acceptable
for siblings to share depending on age and gender.
Can I still work full time?
No. Foster carers need to be available to attend meetings in respect of
the child they are looking after. Sometimes children may also be out of
school for some reason. Part time hours may be acceptable as long as there
is flexibility to undertake any fostering tasks.
Can we take the child on holiday with us?
Fostering Relations hopes that carers would wish to take children with
them on holiday. This encourages them to feel part of your family.
Will I be employed by the agency?
No. For tax and NI purposes you are considered self employed and are therefore
responsible for your own financial matters.
I am in a same sex relationship, can I be a foster carer?
Legislation has recently been amended to allow same sex couples to foster.
Applications will measured against all other criteria. As with other couples,
it is necessary to evidence that both partners are committed to the role
of foster carer.
I have raised my own family so have I knowledge and skills to
be a foster carer?
You certainly will have knowledge and skills that can be transferred to
the fostering role. However, fostering other people’s children can be
very different from raising your own family. We would hope to discuss
this with you throughout the assessment process.
How long does the process take?
The fostering assessment can take up to six months to complete. The process
involves a home/ family study, preparation training and completion of
statutory checks.