Who Can Foster?

In the UK, you must be 18 or over to foster. There's no upper age limit but you do need to be fit, healthy and have plenty of energy.

You do not need to be married to become a foster carer. You can be single, divorced or cohabiting.
Gender is not a prohibiting factor either. Both men and women can foster.

Gay men and women can become Foster carers, although in Scotland they can only do so as single individuals living on their own. Other factors, such as whether you have a job or a disability, will be assessed on a case by case basis.

Foster Carers are needed from a range of ethnic origins, cultures and with the ability to speak a variety of languages.

You do not need any particular qualifications or education to be a Foster Carer. However it is very beneficial if you have experience of caring for or working with children or young people.

You do need to like children and young people. You need to be able to communicate well with children and young people, demonstrate an ability to be understanding and to provide firm boundaries when required.

You will need at least one spare room. Children and young people who are fostered cannot share a room with any member of the fostering family. Sometimes they can share with their own brothers or sisters, but usually they will need a room of their own.

You cannot foster if you have convictions for offences against children. Other criminal history may also affect your ability to foster.