You'll make an excellent foster carer if you are empathetic, patient, and kind. Along with having the correct personality, it's also important to have the right environment to care for children and young people. It doesn't matter if your entire family stays at home, as long as they are safe and caring. All foster children will require their own bedroom.
Being a foster carer is a big decision that requires much preparation and thought. The following are some general requirements to qualify as a foster carer:
You must be at least 21 years old.
You must be a UK resident or have indefinite leave to remain in the country.
You must be able to provide a spare bedroom, whether your residence is a house or a flat, in the city or the countryside, rented or owned.
You must be always available to support a foster child. For example, if school is disrupted, this could happen during the day and you'll need to make arrangements to be there. This is usually easier for couples to fulfil than for single carers, but some of our single carers manage just as well if they have a stable support network.
Driving is usually essential depending on the area you live. Local transportation networks in cities are frequently reliable and consistent, although suburbs and rural areas are not.
Although not required, it would be advantageous if you have some experience caring for or working with children and that you:
Are patient.
Have a good sense of humour
Are upbeat and enthusiastic
Want to participate in appropriate training courses and support groups
Can provide a versatile approach
Dedicated to making a positive influence in the lives of young people
You'll be amazed at how many transferable skills you already have from your everyday life skills and experiences!
Having a criminal record does not necessarily prevent you from becoming a foster carer, but it may depend on the nature of the offence and how long ago it occurred. We will need to undertake a thorough assessment of your suitability to foster, and your criminal record will be taken into consideration as part of this process.
It's important to be honest about any criminal convictions or cautions you have received when applying to become a foster carer. If you have a criminal record, the fostering agency will need to assess the level of risk that you may pose to the children and young people in your care.
In some cases, certain types of convictions may automatically disqualify you from becoming a foster carer, such as convictions for serious offenses like child abuse, neglect or violence. However, each case is assessed on an individual basis, and the decision will be based on a range of factors, including the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and the steps you have taken to address any issues.
It's important to note that having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent you from fostering, but it may affect your ability to foster certain types of children or young people. If you are unsure whether your criminal record will prevent you from becoming a foster carer, you should contact your local fostering agency or organization for advice.
It's reasonable to be apprehensive about something that could disqualify you from fostering a child when you're submitting your application. As long as you're honest throughout your assessment and you can provide a safe and nurturing environment, there are rarely any reasons that would prevent you from becoming a foster carer in most circumstances.
''The country is desperate for foster carers. As a foster carer, I encourage people to think hard about changing their current role and see fostering as a positive lifestyle change. The role is not a 9 -5 job, and it's certainly only for some. Did you know that you don't have to be qualified for anything? A clean lifestyle is all we ask.''
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Yes. We have many single foster carers who have a solid support network of family and friends who offer practical and emotional support when needed. The Calon Cymru Fostering team is also always available to support you, so you will never feel alone when you foster with us.
Of course! At Calon Cymru we are proud to have a diverse family of foster carers. This diversity ensures a wide range of backgrounds and experiences that can benefit the children we care for in Wales.
Get in touch today for a casual, friendly chat with our experienced foster advisors.
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