Frequently asked questions

I work, so can I still foster?

People do work and foster. If you work full-time and are considering fostering you will need to ensure that you are available to attend meetings, arrange contact with birth family or be at home to care for the children if they are sick or suspended from school. If you can only provide short, regular periods of care such as weekends you might be able to become a support carer.

I am unemployed, does this rule me out as a foster carer?

No. Children benefit from having someone to care for them full-time and as a foster carer you will receive fostering allowances and other payments to cover the cost of caring for a child or young person.  

Do I have to own my own home?

No. You can foster if you rent or live in council or housing association accommodation.

I have a criminal conviction, does this mean I am automatically barred from being a foster carer?

It would depend on the offence you have committed. Certain convictions or offences including violence and crimes against children would rule you out. We are looking for carers who will have an open and honest relationship with the Department, therefore, it is important to tell us if you have a Police record or health concerns, so we are aware of them from the outset and can advise you of your suitability.

I am a disabled person, can I foster?

Yes.  People with disabilities do become foster carers and make a valuable contribution to fostering.  As part of the approval process for all foster carers, your GP will need to verify that you are physically able to look after children and not putting your own health at risk.

Does a foster child need their own bedroom?

Yes preferably, however it depends on the age of the children or young people being looked after and the reasons they have come in to care. Foster placements are about carefully matching children to families. It isn’t always appropriate for foster children to share bedrooms with birth children therefore we would discuss your accommodation with you, the age of the children you are interested in fostering and the ages of your own birth children to assess your suitability.

I smoke. Can I still foster?

Our current policy is that we do not place children under 5 or vulnerable children who have respiratory, heart or other medical conditions in homes where there is a smoker. In addition to this, we have specific guidelines which outline the practical steps that can be taken to minimise children’s exposure to tobacco smoke which we expect foster carers to abide by.

I have no children of my own, can I foster?

Yes. We are looking for people who like and have a genuine interest in caring for children and young people.