Who Can Foster?

Interested in becoming a foster carer, but want to know more about if you can foster? Perhaps you’re a single parent, or you’re currently renting a property and wondering if this affects your application? Our detailed guide breaks down fostering requirements, as well as addressing some myths and misconceptions around who can be a foster carer.

Who can foster a child?

Fostering requirements

 First things first, there are three things that you will need to have before you start your fostering journey. They are simple but also absolutely essential for each and every foster carer.

  • A spare bedroom – fostering regulations state that every child should have a safe space to call their own, which is why there is a requirement for a spare bedroom. As a foster carer, you should be able to provide enough space to allow each foster child to have their own bedroom, which is large enough to contain a single bed and furniture such as a chest of drawers and a wardrobe.
  • Be in good health – being in both good physical and mental health is important for becoming a foster carer, as the child’s development and growth will become the priority – and you’ll need to be in good health yourself in order to provide the child with the care and requirements they need.
  • Be over 21 years of age – here at Capstone, there is no upper age limit on fostering. However, in order to be a foster parent, you do need to be over the 21 years of age.
     

If you fulfil these essential criteria, you are on your first step of your fostering journey.

There are some other requirements that you’ll need to become a foster carer –a home where children under five are fostered should be non-smoking, and your home should not have any aggressive pets or dangerous pets. Learn more information about the above from our fostering requirements page now.

Often with fostering, there are many misconceptions regarding whether you can foster based on your career, experience or living situation. That’s why we put together our top 10 fostering myths guide which highlights the most common misconceptions about who can foster.

Learn more about the different types of foster care now, and learn which is the right path for your fostering journey.

The Assessment Process

Whether you apply through your local authority or through an independent fostering agency, such as Capstone Foster Care, during the application process, you will undergo a health check and all members of your household over the age of 18 will undergo a Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check. Foster care training, help and support are provided during the application process and throughout your fostering work.

If you have any questions regarding and who can be a fostercarer, or wondering ‘Can I foster if…?’, our detailed guide can help.

Alternatively, give us a call today on 0800 012 4004 to discuss more or complete the form below.

Curious about the application process? Check out our step-by-step guide…

Check out our video about how your life experince could help make a difference to a young person.

Thinking of fostering?

If you’ve got any questions or would like to find out more about fostering with Capstone, fill out the form below.
An experienced fostering advisor from your local area will then be in touch.

The information you provide will be used to respond to the enquiry you have submitted, for further information please refer to our privacy policy.

Ways to
GET IN TOUCH

Start the conversation today. Our team of friendly advisors are on hand to answer any foster care questions you may have. We can offer you honest and practical advice that can help you decide if becoming a foster carer is the right path for you. 


Request a
call back

Contact us by completing our online form and one of our fostering advisors will respond to your enquiry within 24 hours.



Call us

Contact us by phone and one of our friendly fostering experts will be on hand for any foster care advice and support you require.



Download a Brochure

Download our helpful guide to becoming a foster carer with Capstone Foster Care.