Who Can Foster?
Fostering is open to people from all walks of life
At AC-Fostering, we believe that anyone with a compassionate heart and a stable environment can become a foster carer. Foster carers come from diverse backgrounds, and there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to fostering. If you’re ready to make a difference in a child’s life, you may be the perfect fit.
Basic Requirements
To become a foster carer, there are a few essential requirements:
Age: You must be at least 21 years old. There’s no upper age limit as long as you are in good health and able to provide care.
Spare Bedroom: Every foster child must have their own bedroom, providing them with the privacy and space they need.
Good Health: Both physical and mental well-being are important, as fostering can be demanding, and you need to be fit to provide consistent care.
Can I Foster if I’m Single?
Yes! Single individuals can foster, and many of our foster carers are single parents. Whether you’re married, in a partnership, or single, what matters is your ability to provide a safe and loving home
Do I Need to Own a Home?
No, homeownership isn’t a requirement. Whether you rent or own your home, as long as it’s a safe and stable environment, you can foster.
Myths and Misconceptions
There are many myths surrounding who can foster, but the reality is, fostering is open to a wide variety of people. Whether you work full-time, have children of your own, or live in the city or countryside, you may be eligible to foster.
Myth: I’m a single person so I can’t foster?
Reality is THAT’S NOT TRUE!: You don’t need to be in a partnership to become a foster carer. We have many single women and men who foster successfully. Just like with any potential foster carer, we’ll talk to you about the support network around you and who might be able to assist in your fostering journey. Plus, you’ll have access to a strong community of foster carers who are always ready to offer advice, guidance, and support.
Myth: You need to own your own home to foster.
Reality is THAT’S NOT TRUE!: You don’t have to be a homeowner to foster. Renters are just as eligible, as long as you have the space to provide a safe and stable environment for a child.
Myth: Only stay-at-home parents can foster.
Reality is THAT’S NOT TRUE!: You can foster while working full-time or part-time. Foster agencies work with your schedule, and many offer support systems to help balance fostering with your career.
Myth: I’m too old/young to foster.
Reality is THAT’S NOT TRUE!: There is no upper age limit for fostering, and as long as you are 21 years old and above, you can apply. Foster carers come from all stages of life and can bring valuable life experiences to the role.
Myth: I need to have children of my own to foster.
Reality is THAT’S NOT TRUE!: You don’t need to have parenting experience or your own children to foster. Many successful foster carers do not have biological children.
Myth: You can’t foster if you have pets.
Reality is THAT’S NOT TRUE!: Having pets doesn’t prevent you from fostering. In fact, pets can often be comforting to children in care. The key is making sure your home is safe and suitable.
Myth: Foster care is long-term only.
Reality is THAT’S NOT TRUE!: Fostering can be short-term, long-term, or even emergency placements. There are many types of fostering to fit different lifestyles and circumstances.
I am an interested carer but I am living with a disability
Reality is THAT’’S NOT TRUE: you can successfully become a foster carer living with a disability . As long as your disability is assessed as not impacting on your ability to care for a child.
You have skills you can transfer to fostering
You don’t need to have your own children or have worked with kids to explore becoming a foster carer with the National Fostering Group. Your unique skills, talents, and life experiences can make a positive impact on a child’s life. There are always children who could benefit greatly from the care you provide.
While prior experience in caring for a child—especially understanding their health and emotional needs—can be an advantage, it’s not a requirement. Many of our carers come from diverse professional backgrounds and have successfully applied their skills to fostering.
Even if you haven’t raised children or worked with them professionally, you may have valuable experience to draw from. Have you ever looked after someone else's children, even briefly? Do others often remark on your ability to connect with young people?
If you believe you can foster, remember that you won’t be doing it alone. We provide excellent training and support to help you become a successful foster carer.