Myths About Who Can Foster

Do not be fooled or put off by the myths about who can and cannot foster children. Here are some of the myths our fostering experts come across all the time.

“I can’t foster because I’m single” – this is not true, although as a single foster carer we will want to find out what support you have from family and / or friends

“I can’t foster because I don’t own my home” – home ownership is not critical, but we do make sure that your rental situation is stable and sustainable

“What if I am LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender)?” – your sexuality will not matter, we have approved many LGBT foster carers and often find they have all the attributes of brilliant foster carers.

“I am too old to be a foster carer” – your health is more important than your age – we often find older carers have the experience, patience and understanding that helps our children and young people to thrive.

“My faith will get in the way” – your religion will not be a barrier to becoming a foster carer with us, but you will be expected to show how you can support children of a different faith or those of no faith.

“I don’t have any qualifications” – you do not have to have specific qualifications in working with children, we do offer a comprehensive training programme, including the Skills to Foster course for all carers. If you do have qualifications in working with children, this may mean you entering your fostering career at a more advanced level.

“I’m already in work” – while most of our foster carers are part of our service on a full time basis, there are types of fostering  you can practice alongside other employment.