Fostering requirements differ from one situation to the next.

Before you start the process, here are some frequently asked questions regarding what is necessary and what you should know about your unique situation.

What is the fostering criteria if I have children?

Many of the family members we meet with claim that being a part of a foster family has benefited them and helped them better understand others.

If you have sons or girls of your own, please talk to them about fostering before applying so that it is a family decision. The entire family should be involved in the evaluation process, and training is available for foster carers’ sons and daughters as well. Making the decision to become a foster parent can have a significant influence on everyone in your household. As your children will have to share their parents, their toys, and their friends, as well as deal with difficult and demanding behaviour.

In some situations, they may be taken into the confidence of a youngster or young person who has been through a lot. However, it can be a gratifying and fulfilling experience for everyone involved, and one of the most satisfying endeavors you will ever undertake as a family.

Should I consider fostering children of the same age as my children, or should they be different ages?

There is no definitive answer to this subject, while some fostering agencies may hold strong opinions.

Children of the same age: Fostering children of the same or comparable developmental age as their own children, with similar hobbies (like as going to farms, parks, or the beach), can fit beautifully into a home dynamic where these activities are enjoyed by all. However, one potentially detrimental effect is that a traumatised child’s challenging behaviour may influence the behaviour of your own children. It’s possible that the foster child’s needs conflict with those of your own children, making it difficult to support both at the same time.

Children of different ages: Caring for a teenager when your other children are younger may appear to be a bad match at first, but in truth, their requirements are extremely different and may be required at various times. For example, while your children are in bed, you may be able to spend more time with a teenage foster child.

As there is no such thing as a “normal” child, what works for one may not work for another. These are just a few examples to get you thinking about the possibilities. It should be noted that the matching process is very rigorous, and a kid should only be placed with you if you are confident that you will be able to meet the requirements of all of the children in the group, regardless of their ages.

Can I become a foster carer if one of my own children has disabilities?

You can still apply to be a foster parent if one of your children has a disability. Parents of disabled children are often experts in some aspects of parenting, and thus may have special affinity and knowledge to share with a foster child. Regardless, a fostering agency will want to talk to you about how you’d balance the needs of any children placed with you with your own child’s needs, as well as what the impact of having another child in your household may be.

Do I meet the fostering criteria if I am a single parent?

Yes, you certainly can. Many single foster carers already work in the field and have been doing so for many years. The most important thing is to be able to give a warm, supportive, and happy family environment. If you live with a partner but are not married, you will be judged on the stability of your relationship as well as what you have to offer. Many people in modern society choose to live together for the rest of their lives without ever planning to marry, and their relationships are not necessarily any less solid.

Can I foster if I am in a new relationship or if I’ve recently got married?

Most fostering agencies recommend that you be together for at least two years before seeking to foster together if you are in a new relationship. A personal relationship’s dynamic can shift over time, so it’s critical that you and your partner be totally committed to one other before committing to providing a nurturing environment for a child. A relationship breakup can be devastating for everyone involved. A kid who has been brought into care has likely already suffered trauma in their lives, and it is critical to avoid such trauma in the future.

Will my spouse/ partner also need to meet the fostering criteria?

Yes, if you and your partner live together, you must both be assessed against the same fostering requirements and take the Skills to Foster programme.

Can I become a foster parent if I am pregnant/ having fertility treatment?

It is not a good idea to apply to foster a kid while pregnant. The arrival of a child into any household puts physical and emotional burden on the parents, and sometimes unexpected issues arise. Foster carers should be in a stable situation in their lives and prepared to take on the huge responsibility of fostering. In most circumstances, you should wait until your kid is at least one year old before applying to foster, although we may accept an application sooner in some cases. If you’re expecting your first child, we recommend focusing on your immediate family for at least a year after the birth.

Can I foster if I am a single man?

It is not a good idea to apply to foster a kid while pregnant. The arrival of a child into any household puts physical and emotional burden on the parents, and sometimes unexpected issues arise. Foster carers should be in a stable situation in their lives and prepared to take on the huge responsibility of fostering. In most circumstances, you should wait until your kid is at least one year old before applying to foster, although we may accept an application sooner in some cases. If you’re expecting your first child, we recommend focusing on your immediate family for at least a year after the birth.

Can a gay couple apply to become foster parents?

Fostering is not hindered by sexual orientation (whatever it may be). There is explicit legislation ensuring that all people, gay or straight, are treated equally, and many homosexual families are currently foster parents.

We are a religious family , will we still meet the fostering criteria?

Children, we believe, should be placed with foster families who can meet their requirements, including religious needs.

However, you must evaluate how you would feel if a child was placed with you who did not share your religion, as well as how you would feel about discussing other religious beliefs or sexuality, while still adhering to the fostering agency’s regulations.

Foster parents must be accepting and open to other religious beliefs, and they must be non-judgmental in this regard.

Can I foster with a criminal record?

When people seek to be foster parents, they must undergo enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks (sometimes known as police checks). Applicants who have committed a crime against a minor or who have committed a violent crime are unlikely to be chosen. However, having a criminal record does not automatically rule someone out of becoming a foster parent. The type and circumstances of the offence, as well as how long ago it was committed, determine whether you fit the required fostering conditions. If you have received a caution or a criminal conviction, it is critical that you tell us about it. This will be covered at the very beginning of the application process.

How old do you have to be to meet fostering criteria?

For us to consider your application to foster, you must be at least 23 years old. When we consider your application, we look at your life experience and maturity level, as well as your personality, confidence, self-esteem, and ability to reflect. Your maximum age limit will be determined by your physical and mental health, as well as your energy level, support network, and capacity to operate in a demanding and occasionally fast-paced atmosphere.

Can I foster if I work?

Fostering is, in our opinion, a job in and of itself.

Having too many job commitments elsewhere would limit your flexibility and capacity to respond quickly in a crisis.

We ask that one parent in a two-parent family devotes 100% of their time to fostering and has no other obligations.

If a single applicant works, it is critical that they have highly flexible work arrangements and that they only work part-time.

I am a child minder, do I still meet the fostering criteria?

With Nationwide Fostering, you cannot be both a registered childminder and a foster caregiver. We believe there may be a conflict of interest, so we suggest that you focus on one of the careers.

Can I foster if I smoke?

At a time when smoking in public places and at work has become a heated topic at the federal level, the problem of a foster carer smoking has become an important factor. Foster parents are expected not to smoke in their homes, and if they do, they would do so outside. Foster parents who smoke are not allowed to care for children under the age of five. No one is allowed to smoke within a foster carer’s home.

I am disabled or have a medical/ mental health issues, would this affect my application?

A medical examination is required of all prospective foster carers.

If there are any medical conditions that may influence your ability to foster, your personal GP/specialist will advise you.

It’s always vital to be honest about concerns that you think might hinder your ability to foster, or even an issue you’ve identified that you think others might think affects your ability to foster but that you’re confident you’ll be able to overcome. It is worth remembering that there is no right for an individual to foster. The focus of the assessment is to determine whether a child’s needs can be met within a particular household.

What level of English literacy/ language do I need to foster?

Foster parents must be able to advocate for their foster children, and this requires a reasonable level of reading, writing, and spoken English.

You will be asked to create a portfolio as part of your assessment and ongoing growth.

You should also be able to effectively record and report on the child’s progress.

If English is not your first language or you feel you need assistance in developing your skills, your local college can assist you in finding an appropriate course, such as ESOL (English as a Second or Other Language), which is typically free.

To proceed to evaluation, we may additionally request feedback from such a course.

My partner and/or I don’t have British residency, does this matter?

To maintain stability for a child put in your care, we recommend that the main carer be a British resident or have an indefinite right to remain in the UK to foster.

I am moving home, can I apply to foster now?

Before applying to be a foster carer, you should ideally be settled in your new home. Moving and beginning an evaluation to become a foster carer at the same time is not a good combination. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would want to discuss your specific situation.

I am currently redecorating/ renovating my home, can I apply to foster now?

This is dependent on how far you’ve progressed with your ‘home improvement.’ There’s no reason why you shouldn’t apply if the job is likely to be done within a few weeks. However, if you’re planning construction work that will take several weeks, if not months, it’s advisable to do these first before beginning an assessment. We are, nevertheless, pleased to speak with you about your specific situation.

Can I foster if I have pets?

Pets can be beneficial to a foster family and should not prevent you from achieving the fostering requirements. However, because every animal is unique, your pets’ temperament and behaviour will be evaluated as part of the application process for becoming a foster carer. You should also consider how you would feel if one of your pets was damaged by a child if you are a pet owner. If you have pets, you may be unable to accept some of the children you might normally be able to consider, such as those who are allergic to animals, have breathing problems, are afraid of animals, or have previously been aggressive.