Who can foster? Eligibility explained

Many people rule themselves out of fostering before they even ask, usually over something that is not actually a barrier. The truth is that far more people can foster than assume they can. This guide covers the few real requirements and the many things that do not stop you.

The core requirements

In general, you can apply to foster if you:

• are over 21,
• have a spare bedroom for a child,
• have the right to live and work in the UK (usually permanent residence).

There is no upper age limit, as long as you are fit and well enough to care for a child. Beyond these, most of what people worry about is not a barrier at all.

Things that do NOT stop you fostering

You can usually foster whether or not these apply to you:

• Renting or owning. You do not need to own your home. A stable home with a spare room is what matters.
• Relationship status. Single, married, living with a partner, divorced: all fine. Single people make excellent foster carers.
• Sexuality and gender. You can foster whatever your sexuality or gender identity.
• Having your own children, or none. Both are fine.
• Working. You can foster and work, though some placements need flexibility, and for some you may choose to reduce your hours. It is worth discussing with a service.
• Qualifications or experience. You do not need childcare qualifications or prior experience. Full preparation training is provided.
• Religion, or none. Fostering is open to people of all faiths and none.

Things that are assessed, not automatic bars

Some things are looked at carefully during assessment but rarely rule people out on their own:

• Your health. You will have a medical with your GP. Many health conditions are no barrier; the question is whether you can care for a child safely.
• Criminal record. You and other adults in your home have an enhanced DBS check. Offences against children, and certain serious offences, are a bar. Many other past convictions are not, and are considered in context.
• Smoking. Some services place restrictions around very young children or children with particular health needs, rather than ruling out smokers entirely.
• Pets. A pet is usually fine; there is a simple safety check.
• Finances. You do not need to be wealthy, but a service will check you are financially stable, since the allowance is for the child's care.

Why the assessment is thorough

Every fostering service makes an individual assessment of your situation, because it is about a child's home. That is also why it is worth asking rather than assuming: an experienced social worker can look at your circumstances and tell you honestly whether fostering could work for you, often when you expected a "no".

Still not sure?

If you are reading this and thinking "but what about my situation", that is exactly the thing to put to a fostering service. A short, no-pressure conversation will give you a straight answer. Start your enquiry, or find a fostering agency near you. To see the whole journey, read how to become a foster carer.

This guide is general information. Eligibility is decided by each fostering service through its own assessment, and the rules can change, so always confirm your position with a service or at gov.uk.