Who can become a foster carer
Foster carers come from all age groups and backgrounds, living in all kinds of homes.
Anyone with any combination of the circumstances below can apply to foster.
| retired | unemployed | working |
| own home | private tenant | council tenant |
| married | separated | divorced |
| single | gay | straight |
| own children at home | own children left home | no children |
| any ethnicity | any religion | any background |
What they have in common is that they want to make a difference to a child's life.
There is no upper age limit to being a foster carer. You must be at least 21 years-old and medically fit to care for a child.
If you want to become a foster carer for a child over 2 years-old, you need:
-
enough space – you must have a spare bedroom that's not in use, and you need to show you have enough room in your home to care for a child in a safe and secure environment
-
enough time – being realistic about your working hours and other commitments, having enough time to do the school run and be involved with a child's activities and contact visits, as well as continuing your current routines
You may still be able to foster a baby up to the age of 2 if you don't have a spare bedroom, as long as:
- no-one in the household smokes or vapes (uses electronic cigarettes)
- you're able to take care of them every day rather than being out at work