Who can be a foster carer?
Almost anyone can apply, provided they have the core qualities we seek. We have different types of fostering suitable for carers from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, whether couples or single, and with or without children at home
You will need to have:
- A real interest in helping local children and their families
- Time to spare
- Energy and enthusiasm
- A secure and stable home environment (though you don't need to be a homeowner)
- A spare bedroom for a foster child, who must have a room of their own
Other qualities needed are:
- patience, resilience, understanding and emotional strength
- good communication and negotiation skills
- self-confidence and good literacy skills as you will need to be able to keep written records of your foster child's day-to-day life and to help them focus on their educational targets. You will need to take part in meetings from time to time and may sometimes be required to attend Court hearings
Protecting children
Naturally it is vital that we give full protection to the children we are looking after - and so we carry out careful assessments of all applicants. This applies particularly where people have criminal convictions and not all applicants may be deemed suitable for providing foster care
Children come first
These might seem daunting requirements but the social workers looking after the interests of fostered children need to ensure that the children receive the best care and support possible, including meeting their educational and health needs
We value our foster carers and appreciate your role
We do all that we can to ensure that you will be able to offer our high standards of care. We offer guidance and support, so you, as a carer, can give what is expected of you and then you will share a sense of achievement
Return to 'How About A Satisfying Career as a Foster Carer?'
Click for full details of how you, too, can become a Foster Carer
Focused Fostering
focused Fostering
Unit F26
40 Martell Road
London SE21 8EN
Telephone:
020 8670 0400
Learn how the fostering application process is easy to understand and accessible for you
Approval Process
We get to know each other well during the process of becoming a foster carer. You will find out all about being part of our fostering team over the 3 or 4 months leading up to approval
