Who Can Foster?

Fostering requirements

In order to become a foster carer, as a first port of call, there are three primary fostering requirements you need to have:

• 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. There should be enough space to provide each foster child with his or her own bedroom that 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 parent, 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 become a foster carer, you do need to be over the 21 years of age.

However, there are other requirements that you’ll need to become a foster carer – such as a home where children under five are placed should be non-smoking, and your home should not have any aggressive pets or dangerous pets. 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.

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 who can foster, or wondering ‘Can I foster if…?’, our detailed guide can help. Alternatively, get in touch with a member of our expert team here at Capstone Foster Care.