Many people are surprised by the range of people who become foster carers. Foster carers come from different backgrounds, cultures, communities and life experiences.
However, fostering is a role that carries significant responsibility, and there are some legal, safeguarding and assessment requirements that all applicants must meet. These are in place to help ensure that children and young people are cared for safely.
If you are under 21
In England, you must be at least 21 years old to become a foster carer.
If fostering is something you would like to do in the future, there may be opportunities to learn more about the role and gain relevant experience while you wait to meet the minimum age requirement.
If you do not meet residency requirements
Eligibility to foster may depend on your residency status and your right to live in the UK.
If there are safeguarding concerns
The safety and wellbeing of children and young people is always the primary consideration.
As part of the fostering assessment process, checks are carried out on applicants and other adults living in the household. Certain criminal convictions or cautions may mean that a person cannot be approved to foster.
Other offences may not automatically prevent someone from becoming a foster carer, but they will need to be carefully considered as part of the assessment process. Being open about any past convictions, cautions or other relevant information from the outset is important.
Other circumstances
Many people worry that factors such as their health, disability, relationship status, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, income level, education, housing history or previous life experiences will automatically prevent them from fostering.
In most cases, these factors are not considered in isolation. Fostering assessments look at each person’s individual circumstances, support networks, strengths, experience and capacity to provide safe, stable and nurturing care for children and young people.
Every application is considered individually
Beyond any legal or safeguarding restrictions, there are very few circumstances that automatically rule someone out from fostering. Decisions are made through a careful assessment process that considers the needs of children and young people alongside an applicant’s ability to meet the responsibilities of the fostering role.