Who can foster?

We need supportive and caring foster carers of all ages, from all backgrounds and ethnic groups. Fostering today involves a variety of tasks and skills and our carers work closely as a team, not only with other professionals in planning for the child or young person but also in supporting each other.

Can you see yourself as a foster carer?

• are you single, married or living with a partner?
• are you male or female?
• do you have children of your own, no children or have grandchildren?
• are you employed, unemployed or retired?
• do you own your own home, rent or receive housing benefits?

Whatever you answer to the above questions it doesn't affect your suitability to become a foster carer and most people have something to offer*. What is important is that you have plenty of time and space in your life to care for someone else's child or young person, feel you have lots of energy and the ability to demonstrate a mature, responsible attitude. There is no upper age limit although it is important to be in good health.

In addition, our expectations are that:

• you are aged over 21 years
• if a couple, you have been living in a relationship for more than two years
• the children in your family are over the age of one year
• you are not pregnant, undergoing or have recently undergone fertility treatment.

*People with offences against children or violent offences will not be considered.