Becoming a foster carer

Our children and young people needing care are all different and so are our foster carers who look after them.

We look for the skills and experience which make people ready to foster.

A young person, aged 17, said:

They helped my independence skills like cooking spaghetti bolognese and taught me how to wash my clothes. They also gave me lifts. I have moved now but I still keep in contact with them.

Anyone over the age of 21 years can be a foster carer.

You can foster if:

• you’re over the age of 21 years
• you’re single, in a relationship, a civil partnership or married
• you don’t need to own your own home, but you'll need a spare bedroom for the child or young person
• you're straight, gay, lesbian, bi or trans – we welcome applications from people of any sexuality
• you want to provide a loving home, whatever your religious, ethnic or cultural background
• you work, part time, full time or not at all
• You have a criminal record. However, if you have criminal convictions for most violent offences or any offences against children we would not be able to consider you as a foster carer; it's important to be honest about any cautions or convictions you have
• you have your own children or not
• you have a disability or health issue

Also see

• Fostering Statement of Purpose
• Children and families
• Coram BAAF (The Adoption and Fostering Academy)
• My Things Matter pledge