Fostering Myths 

There are so many myths about fostering that prevent people from enquiring as they feel they are unable to and can’t for one reason or another. People may feel overwhelmed with information or have simply not done enough research to know that they can foster and maybe should have enquired a long time ago.

Here are some myths that a lot of people think stop them from becoming foster carers. Hopefully, they answer some questions and enable people to re-consider fostering and feel positive and enthusiastic to enquire.

I don’t own my own home, Can I foster?
You don’t have to own your own home to become a foster carer. If you rent through a private landlord or agency, all we ask if that you receive written permission that you can use the house for fostering. Whether you own your house or not, makes no difference to being able to give a child a loving, safe and stable home environment.

I don’t have any children, Can I foster?
You don’t have to have your own children, however it is important to demonstrate any other relevant childcare experience you have. Whether that is caring for young family members, relevant employment, or any voluntary work you have done. Any childcare experience would be utilised well within fostering whether it is your own children or not.

I am not married, Can I foster?
You don’t have to be married or in a relationship to foster. Many of are carers are single and have made an incredible difference to a child’s life. It does not matter to us whether you are married, in a relationship, or single, we just ensure you can meet the needs of the child in your care.

I am too old, Can I foster?
There is no upper age limit to becoming a foster carer. All we ask is that you are fit and healthy enough to look after a child. We ask you to have the time, the energy and the commitment to make a change to a life and your age does not determine that.

I work full time, Can I foster?
Fostering is a 24/7 role. It is not a Monday-Friday job where you can finish at 5pm. However, it is a commitment that continues through the night and every second you have a child in your care. This does not mean that you cant work along side fostering, but your hours need to be part time and flexible enough to accommodate fostering and meet the needs of the child.

I’m a single male, Can I foster?
Many of our carers are single males and they have made an huge difference to children in their care. Male carers are just as good as female carers and maybe underestimated. Children may lack a male role model or someone to simply play football with them. Our carers all have individual attributes that make them the carers they are and single male carers are just as incredible.