BACK TO BLOGThere are all manner of myths that surround the process of becoming a foster carer.
Unfortunately, these myths often put people off from applying, even if they’d have made fantastic foster carers!
The truth is: the first step to fostering is simple, and there’s little stopping you from applying. It’s designed to determine whether or not you are able to provide a safe environment for young people.
In this blog, we’ll address the 13 most common fostering myths, as well as run through what you need to know about becoming a foster carer.
Myth #1: I’m single, so I can’t foster children
You don’t need to be in a relationship or married to apply to become a foster carer or to have your status as a foster carer approved.
There are thousands of single people fostering across the UK. As long as you’re able to prioritise the child’s needs, you’re able to foster.
It’s important to remember that you’re never alone when fostering. Organisations such as Foster Talk create support communities around foster parents, ensuring they have resources to learn from, and people to talk to at all times.
Myth #2: I’m not married, but I am living with my partner, this means I can’t foster
Similarly, unmarried people can foster, too!
If you live with your partner, then you will both need to go through the process together. Fostering can be a fantastic way to complete your family.
Myth #3: You need to be a homeowner
You don’t need to own the home that you live in in order to foster. As long as you have a spare bedroom and can prove that you have consistent, stable housing, then you’ll be eligible to foster!
If you do live in rented accommodation, we do recommend checking with your landlord before applying and ensure they’re happy with foster children living in their property.
Finally, stability is important for foster children. If you intend to move around regularly, this can prove disruptive. It’s far better for the children if you can stay in one place.
Myth #4: You must be employed to foster
Fostering is a 24/7 commitment, you will need to be flexible and available in the daytime to provide care and support to your foster child.
This includes taking the kids to childcare/school as well as training and general support.
Full time workers are welcome to be foster carers, of course, but availability during the day is essential.
Myth #5: You can’t already have children if you want to foster a child
Many families put off fostering because they don’t think a foster child can live with other children – this is false!
In fact, many families choose to bring foster children into their homes. This can be a fantastic experience, both for the foster child and for your children.
You should include your family in the entire fostering process. There is an abundance of support you can access to help you and your family throughout.
Myth #6: I need qualifications to become a foster carer
Neither experience or qualifications are required to foster.
Just because you don’t have experience doesn’t mean that you don’t have the necessary physical and emotional skills required to become a fantastic foster carer.
If you’re worried that you’ll struggle, you’re not alone. Everyone gets nervous their first time, but you must remember that supervising social workers will be available to you from the start of your assessment and throughout your time as a carer.
Myth #7: I have a disability, therefore I can’t be a foster carer
Just because you have a disability does not necessarily mean you cannot foster.
While maintaining good health is important as a foster carer, if fostering won’t put you at risk or negatively impact your condition, then there’s no reason that your disability should disqualify you.
Certain expectations must be met, so as long as you can perform the average daily duties and attend fostering meetings, your disability will not prevent you from becoming a foster carer.
Myth #8: I can’t foster because I’m gay
The LGBTQIA+ community are some of the most passionate and successful foster carers in the world.
Of all the considerations that go into foster carer approval, your sexual orientation will never be on the list.
Diversity and inclusion are incredibly important, especially in foster care. If you have the drive and skills to be a great foster carer, then you should go for it!
Myth #9: I’m too old to foster
There is no stipulated maximum age to foster, but most services say you need to be at least 21 years of age to be considered to become a foster carer
Of course, there are health requirements. If you’re deemed in good health, both mentally and physically, and you have high energy levels, then there’s no reason why you can’t be a fantastic foster carer!
Many retired people take up foster care as a way to give back; perhaps it’s your time to shine!
Myth #10: I have pets, so I cannot foster
Pets are considered fantastic therapy for foster children – if you have pets, that’s a bonus!
There are two key exceptions to this, however:
- Many local authorities won’t allow foster children to live in homes with more than three dogs, or with dogs listed on the Dangerous Dogs Act.
- There are guidelines that state you must keep pets healthy, gardens are to be kept clean and pets must also be under control at all times.
If you have a happy, pet-friendly home, then a foster child would likely feel right at home with you.
Myth #11: Transgender people cannot become foster carers
Gender has no influence on whether you can or cannot foster.
If you are transgender, and you wish to foster a child, you’ll follow the same procedures and need to meet the same criteria – nothing will change!
Myth #12: I need a big house to foster
You don’t need to live in a stately home to foster.
As long as you’ve got a stable, safe and secure home with a spare bedroom, then you’ll be eligible to foster.
Myth #13: People with babies cannot foster
Having a new baby will not stop you from fostering, however, this will be taken into account when determining whether you’re able to care for a fostered child as well as your new baby.
It is essential that you’re not overwhelmed. Your safety and the safety of the children must come first.
Are you thinking of fostering? Let’s talk.
Fostering a child is one of the most fulfilling things you can do in your lifetime.
It requires true altruism, resilience and commitment – characteristics you seem to have by the bucketload!
Fostering isn’t always easy, which is why organisations like Foster Talk exist.
If you’re interested in learning more about the fostering process, and how we operate as a support organisation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team by clicking here.
