Can I foster if...?

There are many misconceptions about who can or cannot become a foster carer. Here, we’ve put together some of the most common ones that people ask us about. If you’re still left wondering though, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team directly.

I’m single?

Yes. You don’t need to be married or in a relationship to be a foster carer. If you are living with a partner or have someone who would play a significant role in a foster child’s life, then they will also be assessed as a secondary carer.

I’m LGBTQ+?

Yes. Your sexual orientation or gender identity will not affect your ability to become a foster carer at all. Our foster carers are all people from different walks of life - the most important thing is that you can provide a loving and supportive home for a foster child.

I am/my family is religious?

We always need to make sure that all our foster children’s needs are met, including religious needs. This means that your religion won’t affect your ability to become a foster carer, but you will need to consider that a foster child’s religious or cultural needs may be different to your own. 

I have pets?

Yes. Pets can in fact be beneficial to children, and they can help foster children to relax and settle into a home. You will need to make sure that your pets are up to date on their vaccinations, and we will always make sure that we find the best fit for each foster family - so we won’t house a child with a cat they’re allergic to! At some point during the application process, one of our team will carry out a pet assessment to make sure your home is safe for a foster child.

I don’t drive?

You don’t need to be able to drive to be a foster carer, however having a full driving is preferable in order to facilitate family time and the day to day routines of foster children in placement. We do consider alternative arrangements including the use of public transport in order to fulfil your responsibilities, such as getting your foster child to and from school and appointments and we will discuss this with you at the start of the application process.

I work full time?

Many of our current foster carers work full or part-time. This is assessed on an individual basis and your current working arrangement may limit the age group of children you can foster. For example, a foster child of school age (5-16) would mean you could work during school hours, and we can help with childcare during school holidays within our local fostering community. 

I’m moving house soon?

You need to be able to provide a stable and safe home for your foster child, so moving around wouldn’t be ideal but won’t stop you from applying. We also need to make sure that we can visit your home as part of our assessment process, so the best thing to do would be to make sure you’re completely settled in to any new home beforehand.

I’m renting my home?

Yes. You need to have your landlord’s permission, and make sure that you don’t owe any rent payments or have any other risk of eviction, but otherwise you can rent your home and be a foster carer.

I don’t have a spare room?

There are clear National Minimum Standards which require a foster child to have their own bedroom. The only exceptions to this is when fostering babies aged 0-2 and when there is a clear and timely path to a change of circumstance. If your current home doesn't have a spare room there are a number of housing support schemes available to foster carers which may be an option for you. These are assessed on a case by case basis and during an information visit our fostering team will be able to discuss this with you and explore the pathways to care which may be available.

I smoke?

Yes, although it does limit the age range of children you can foster. If you smoke or use an e-cigarette, you cannot foster children aged 0-5.

I have a criminal record?

If you have a criminal conviction, factors such as the type of crime and when it was committed will be taken into account during the assessment process, but the most important thing is that you tell us about any criminal record early on in the process so that we can advise you in the best way. The safety and wellbeing of our foster children is always our first priority, so there are some criminal convictions, such as sexual offences or offences against children, that will disqualify you from foster care. 

I’m “too young”?

Younger foster carers are a really important part of our network and help us shape the next generation of foster carers. You can apply to become a foster carer if you are 21 years or over and although this is the minimum age to apply we want to ensure prospective foster carers have sufficient life experience before making such a big life changing decision. Your age, life experiences and professional skills will all be taken into account during the application process and often carers will be 25 years or older before they become approved.

I’m “too old”?

There’s no upper age limit on becoming a foster carer. We’ve had some foster carers into their 60s and 70s before! We assess everyone on an individual basis to make sure you’re healthy, mobile and able to transport foster children across Rotherham to school or activity clubs. Your life experiences and professional skills will be taken into account as well during the application process.

I don’t have any childcare qualifications?

Yes! Having a childcare qualification, or experience looking after or working with children will always be useful, but not essential. We will give you plenty of training before you start fostering, and ongoing support will be available throughout your time as a foster carer.

I’ve recently had a baby?

The ages of any children you currently have will be taken into account during the assessment process and assessed on an individual basis. Foster children require your time and support and so it is worth considering how this may affect your current family but having a baby will not stop you from fostering.

I have a long-term health condition?

Yes. Any health conditions are assessed on an individual basis, so you may only be suitable to foster certain age groups, but it won’t stop you from fostering as long as you are physically and emotionally able to give your foster child the care they need.

I’ve suffered depression in the past?

Just like your physical health, any mental health conditions will be assessed on an individual basis. As long as you can give a foster child the care they need, without it having an adverse effect on your, or their, mental health, you can be a foster carer.

I’m not a British citizen?

You don’t need to be a British citizen to foster with us, but you do need to have the right to live and work in the UK, and for us to be able to carry out all the checks needed in our assessment process.

I don’t speak a high standard of English?

You will need to have a good level of English in order to communicate with other foster carers and social workers, and to support a foster child’s education. Our foster children come from a diverse range of backgrounds so having an additional language may be hugely beneficial if you could support a foster child in our network whose first language is not English.