What do I need to become a foster carer?

Being a foster carer simply means caring for a child as part of your family. You do not need any qualifications to become a foster parent, and you will receive all necessary support and training.

Basic requirements

Foster carers must be over 21 years old and be a UK resident or have indefinite leave to remain in this country. You can be single, married or co-habitating, as well as heterosexual or same sex couples. You also must be available and able to care for a child or young person, often on a full-time basis

As a foster carer, you do not need to own your home, but you’ll need to have a spare bedroom. Once you have chosen a fostering agency, you must pass a thorough fostering assessment and panel.

Your responsibilities as a foster carer

If you are assessed as a suitable foster parent and ready for your first placement, you’ll have many responsibilities. You will be caring for a potentially very vulnerable child alongside other people and bodies such as the local authority, their school, health services and the child’s own family.

You must support the child’s educational needs, keep records and write reports about them and facilitate and support their contact with their family. You'll be expected to advocate for the child and attend all appropriate meetings, groups, appointments and so on. You will be responsible for helping to manage their behaviour and physical and mental wellbeing.

In addition, you will also need to attend all relevant training and development for your role as a foster carer. You will also need to maintain your home as a safe and nurturing environment for your foster child.

If you would like to find out more about what you need to be a foster carer, contact Diagrama Fostering today to discuss how you can become a foster carer for a vulnerable child in need of a safe home.