who can foster

foster myths: separating fact from fiction

As a foster carer, you can make a world of difference to someone’s life. Whether it’s an overnight stay or long-term, fostering can have different purposes. It needs different people too – foster carers from diverse backgrounds and a range of experiences.

When it comes down to who can foster, ask yourself: can you make a difference, and do you want to?

can I foster in conwy if I work full time?

If you work full time, it doesn’t mean you can’t foster. However, fostering alongside a full-time job might need some extra thought.

For example, you could foster part time by offering short breaks. Fostering requires commitment and a collaborative approach; you’ll work closely with social workers, teachers and therapists. We’re here to support you at every step and help you find an option that works for you.

can I be a foster carer if I live in rented accommodation?

Whether you rent or pay a mortgage is neither here nor there. The most important thing is that you feel secure where you live, so you can offer a child security.

Your spare room could be used to create a safe, private place that a child needs – somewhere where they feel a sense of belonging.

can I foster if I have children of my own?

Of course. Your family doesn’t have to stop growing. Fostering will add to your existing family and bring more children into your home for you to love and care for.

Foster siblings can be extremely beneficial to children, helping them to form friendships in a setting they’re familiar with.

am I too old to foster?

Your age doesn’t make you less suitable to foster. We’ll provide you with the local support and training you need for your fostering journey. It’s never too late to start making a difference.

am I too young to foster?

As a young person, you may not have extensive life experience, but don’t let that stop you. We’ll guide you through the fostering journey and ensure you’re able to fully meet the needs of children in our care.

do couples who foster have to be married or in a civil partnership?

Being married or in a civil partnership is not a fostering requirement. What matters is whether you can offer a child stability in a safe, loving home. Your local Foster Wales Conwy team will work with you to decide if now is the right time for you to become a foster carer, regardless of your marital status.

can I foster if I’m transgender?

Your gender doesn’t come into the equation. The important factors are your personality, abilities, and skills.

can I foster if I’m gay?

Yes. If you’re dedicated to providing a safe, stable home for a child, that’s all that matters.

can I foster if I have a dog or cat?

Having a dog or cat will not prevent you from fostering. In fact for many young people, pets can be a real positive! They can add another level of support to a foster child and be a tangible benefit in a foster family.

We’ll need to check that your pet dog or cat is safe to be around children, so we’ll include them in your assessment for this reason.

can I foster if I smoke?

The policies in place around smoking and foster care can vary depending on the age of the child. If you want to stop smoking, we can offer the right help and support to you.

We’re dedicated to finding a suitable match between your family and the children in our care.

can I foster if I’m unemployed?

Being out of work doesn’t mean you can’t foster. We’ll work with you to figure out if now is the right time for you to become a foster carer.

can I foster if I don’t have a big house?

Yes. As long as you have a spare bedroom in a stable environment, it doesn’t matter whether your house is big or small. If you can offer a child a safe space with privacy, you could foster.