The only requirements are that you must have a legal right to live and work in the UK, have a spare room in your home and be aged 21+. As part of the assessment process, we also make a number of background checks including with the police, local authorities and previous partners if relevant. This is a legal requirement for anyone applying to become a foster parent.
What else should I think about?
As part of your application, most fostering services will want to know more about you. You might be asked questions about:
- Your health – are you fit and well enough to foster a child now? Do you have any health problems that might make fostering more difficult in the future?
- Your finances – can you afford to be a foster carer?
- Your home – is your house safe and suitable for children or young people to live in?
- Your friends and family – who are the people who can support you while you foster?
- Your past – have you lived abroad, or do you have a criminal record?
- Your experience with children and young people – have you looked after children before, through family, work, or volunteering?
You will also be asked about your reasons for wanting to be a foster carer. For example:
- Why do you want to work with children and young people?
- Can you support children and young people, nurture them, communicate with them, advocate on their behalf and include them as part of your family?
- Will you work as part of a team, and take part in training and learning to develop your skills?
Take the next step and request further information