Fostering - Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

1. Who can become a carer?
2. I'm 56 – am I too old to foster?
3. Can I foster if I live in rented accommodation?
4. I'm not married – can I foster?
5. Can I foster if I'm in a same sex relationship?
6. Can I foster if I smoke?
7. I have no previous experience of fostering children – does this matter?
8. I'm out of work – can I still foster?
9. Can I continue to work outside the home?
10. If I already have children of my own, can I still foster? Will this be problematic?
11. Can I foster if I have a criminal conviction?

Answers

1. Q. Who can become a carer?
   A. We are seeking to recruit a range of families to join our pool of experienced foster carers. We want to make sure that every child who needs to be placed is suitably matched with a family which can meet the child's individual needs. It is important for us to recruit foster carers who have a variety and breadth of knowledge, skills and experience, which will help them to meet the children's complex needs. We will work alongside you, preparing and supporting you to provide what the children need.
   
   People who foster for Worcestershire County Council are all different – We are looking for people who are:
   
   
   • Over 21
   • Married, single or in a partnership, including a same sex relationship
   • Any race or ethnic origin
   • In or out of work
   • Practising a religion, or not
   • Disabled or non-disabled
   • Living in their own home or rented accommodation, but must have a spare bedroom available
     
     
2. Q. I'm 56 – am I too old to foster?
   A. The youngest age at which you can foster is 21: there is no upper age limit. However you will need energy and stamina to keep up with the children or young people placed with you. People of all ages can, and do successfully foster.
   
   
3. Q. Can I foster if I live in rented accommodation?
   A. You can foster whether you are renting or own your own home – just as long as you can provide a secure and stable environment for a  child or children. Each foster child will need their own bedroom, as it is important for each child to have their own space.
   
   
4. Q. I'm not married – can I foster?
   A. Yes - you can foster whether you are single, living with a partner or divorced.
   
   
5. Q. Can I foster if I'm in a same sex relationship?
   A. Yes - Worcestershire County Council needs to attract foster carers from a wide variety of backgrounds in order to meet the needs of the children. We encourage all sections of the community to consider fostering, value diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity.
   
   
6. Q. Can I foster if I smoke?
   A. Worcestershire County Council's policy states that children should not be placed in a smoking household when they are under 5 years old, disabled or suffering from heart disease, glue ear or respiratory problems such as asthma. Guidelines state that an individual cannot be classed as a non-smoker until they have been given-up for a minimum of 12 months. Children older than 5 can be placed in smoking households, but foster carers are required to smoke outside only.
   
   
7. Q. I have no previous experience of fostering children – does this matter?
   A. No previous experience of fostering is necessary but knowledge and experience of dealing with children or young people is vital. This experience may have been gained from raising your own children, or indeed from working with children in an educational or childcare environment. There is a lot of support and training available for first time foster carers.
   
   
8. Q. I'm out of work – can I still foster?
   A. Yes – we welcome people from all backgrounds, regardless of their employment or financial status.
   
   
9. Q. Can I continue to work outside the home?
   A. Yes – just as long as you can provide time and space as these are important to a child, especially when they are young. We would expect a foster carer to be at home if they care for pre-school children. A carer would need to be available for school age children if they were ill and during school holidays. Foster carers will also need to attend meetings with social workers during normal working hours.
   
   
10. Q. If I already have children of my own, can I still foster? Will this be problematic?
    A. We actively encourage people with parenting experience. Your children will be included in the assessment process, as it is the whole family who fosters. If your own children are very young then we may suggest that you should wait until they are a little older before you start fostering. However we can discuss this in more detail when you enquire.
    
    
11. Q. Can I foster if I have a criminal conviction?
    A. People with minor convictions can foster a child or children, but much depends on the seriousness of the offence, how long ago the crime was committed and how you have lived your life since. People with convictions for violent or sexual offences against children will not be considered as foster carers