Who Can Foster?

Who can foster a child?

Fostering requirements

 First things first, there are three things that you will need to have before you start your fostering journey. They are simple but also absolutely essential for each and every foster carer.

• A spare bedroom – fostering regulations state that every child should have a safe space to call their own, which is why there is a requirement for a spare bedroom. As a foster carer, you should be able to provide enough space to allow each foster child to have their own bedroom, which is large enough to contain a single bed and furniture such as a chest of drawers and a wardrobe.
• Be in good health – being in both good physical and mental health is important for becoming a foster carer, as the child’s development and growth will become the priority – and you’ll need to be in good health yourself in order to provide the child with the care and requirements they need.
• Be over 21 years of age – here at Capstone, there is no upper age limit on fostering. However, in order to be a foster parent, you do need to be over the 21 years of age.
   

If you fulfil these essential criteria, you are on your first step of your fostering journey.

There are some other requirements that you’ll need to become a foster carer –a home where children under five are fostered should be non-smoking, and your home should not have any aggressive pets or dangerous pets. Learn more information about the above from our fostering requirements page now.

Often with fostering, there are many misconceptions regarding whether you can foster based on your career, experience or living situation. That’s why we put together our top 10 fostering myths guide which highlights the most common misconceptions about who can foster.

Learn more about the different types of foster care now, and learn which is the right path for your fostering journey.

The Assessment Process

Whether you apply through your local authority or through an independent fostering agency, such as Capstone Foster Care, during the application process, you will undergo a health check and all members of your household over the age of 18 will undergo a Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check. Foster care training, help and support are provided during the application process and throughout your fostering work.

If you have any questions regarding and who can be a fostercarer, or wondering ‘Can I foster if…?’, our detailed guide can help.

Alternatively, give us a call today on 0800 012 4004 to discuss more or complete the form below.

Curious about the application process? Check out our step-by-step guide…

Check out our video about how your life experince could help make a difference to a young person.