Frequently Asked Questions

If you are thinking about becoming a foster carer, you may have some questions you’d like to ask.  Below are a few of the most common ones our Enquiry Team receive.

If you have anything else you would like know, or wish to discuss a particular question in detail, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Pets
Can I foster if I have pets?
Yes. You can foster if you have pets, it may depend on the type of pet you own whether a specialist assessment may need to take place.

Driving
Can I foster if I don’t drive?
Yes. You would have to be able and willing to utilise a reliable public transport system as necessary.

Childcare experience
Can I foster if I don’t have children of my own?
Yes. Any experience you have in childcare will be explored as part of an initial visit/assessment. This experience may be caring for close family members, friend’s children, volunteering, etc.

Applying to more than one LA/IFA
Can I apply to two different Local Authorities (LAs) and/or fostering agencies at the same time?
No. You can enquire with as many LAs/agencies as you like and have those initial visits, however can only fully apply to foster with one LA/agency.

Sexuality
I’m gay, can I apply to foster?
Yes. You can foster regardless of your sexual orientation, all Local Authorities are fully inclusive of LGBTQI+.

Over 60’s
I’m over 60, would I be considered too old to foster?
No. We welcome more mature carers who are fit and able enough to foster children and provide them with a nurturing and positive home.

Divorced
I’ve been divorced, can I foster?
Yes. We accept foster carers who are divorced and as part of the application process we would need to carry out checks and contact your ex-partner, barring exceptional circumstances.

Living alone/single
Can I foster if I live on my own?
Yes. We accept applications from single adults who wish to foster on their own.

Sleepovers
Can foster children have sleepovers at friend’s houses?
Yes.  Children in foster care, like all children, can have sleepovers. However, occasionally there are some exceptions.

Wheelchair users
I am a wheelchair user, can I foster?
Yes. As with any carer we would need to ensure fostering fits into your day to day routine.

Depression/anxiety
Can I foster if I have had depression?
Yes. All carers have a medical assessment which is considered alongside your day to day life experience, to ensure the right support is offered to applicants.

Family transporting foster children
Can a foster carer’s own family transport children in care to and from school?
Yes. However, we want our children to build a relationship with their main carers, so only occasional support by close family would be encouraged.

Breakfast/After school clubs
Can children in care access breakfast clubs and after school clubs every day if you work?
There is no one answer to this. We want our children to feel very much part of the fostering family, and carers need to be available at key times of the day. We will discuss this in more detail as part of your enquiry.

Carer’s support/Respite
Can someone who works full time do carer’s support (respite) fostering?
Yes. You will need to consider whether you would be available from after school on Friday’s for weekend support and two weeks care in holiday periods ideally, if able to take time off to provide this.