Could I Foster? Your Questions Answered

Do I need a spare bedroom? Yes, there must be adequate bedroom space for all members of the household and a separate bedroom for a potential fostered child or children. Bedrooms for children under 11 years should be on the same floor as the carer to provide adequate nighttime supervision.

Can my children share with a foster child? Your own children can share with a birth sibling but not a foster child.

Can brothers and sisters share? Siblings can share a bedroom space. If the children are of different genders they must have their own bedrooms on reaching 9 years of age. Same sex siblings can continue to share.

Can I foster children the same age as my own? We would ask for at least a two-year gap in the ages of any birth children and a fostered child. We would also require that any birth children are at least 18 months of age before starting the process.

What experience do I need? It is not necessary to have qualifications in childcare to be considered as a foster carer we provide all required training. However, you would need to have some experience of parenting or caring for children in either a paid, voluntary or personal capacity.

Am I too young/too old to foster? We have a minimum age of 21 before you can be considered as a foster carer but there are no upper age limits, as long as you are generally healthy.

Can I work? It would depend on the type of fostering you were interested in. If you were considering short term fostering for children under 3-years / pre school age, then we would ask for one of the foster carers to be at home full time. Fostering children long-term and providing supported lodgings offer some flexibility in working arrangements. However, you will need to be available to meet the fostered child'sneeds, for example if they are off school ill, and to attend meetings.

I am a child minder? You can child mind providing these responsibilities do not prevent you from your fostering commitments, such as reviews and appointments in relation to a fostered child. You should also contact Ofsted as the number of children you are approved to child mind may reduce depending on foster placements.

I am a smoker? All foster carers have to sign a smoke free home agreement, agreeing not to smoke in the house. We will not consider people who smoke to foster babies and children under 2 years.

I am disabled or have a medical/mental health issues? All prospective foster carers must have a medical. Your own GP/specialist will comment on whether there are any medical issues that may affect your ability to foster. Each case is looked at individually with consideration for the needs of our fostered children.

I have convictions? Convictions do not necessary bar you from fostering but we advise you to notify us of any previous offences at the earliest opportunity, not telling us in advance may delay your application. All prospective foster carers will require an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. Certain convictions involving violence and crimes against children will prevent you from becoming a foster carer.

I am in a new relationship/recently married? If you are in a new relationship and intend on applying to foster jointly we require you to have been together a minimum of 2 years. Partners who do not reside with the main carer will be assessed and certain checks (such as CRB checks) will be carried out. If you are recently married or residing together we require you to wait 6 months before proceeding to foster.

I am pregnant/having fertility treatment? We require a 2-year age gap between birth and fostered children; we would therefore not proceed if you are pregnant or undergoing fertility treatment.

What level of English literacy/language do I need? It is very important that foster carers can advocate for fostered children, a reasonable level of reading, writing and spoken English is therefore required. As part of your assessment and continuing development, you will be required to put together a portfolio. You will also be expected to be able to record effectively and report on the child's progress. If English is not your first language or you feel you need help in improving you skills, your local college will be able to help you with locating a suitable course such as ESOL (English as a Second or Other Language), these courses are often free of charge. We may also require feedback from such a course to progress to assessment.

My partner and/or I don't have British residency? The main carer must be a British resident or have indefinite right to remain in the UK to foster.

I am moving home/starting a new job? Moving home or starting a new job can be a stressful time, we ask for at least 6 months to have passed before we will proceed with an initial visit.

I am currently redecorating/renovating my home? All renovation or redecorating work will need to be completed before we arrange for a supervising social worker to come for an initial visit.

I live in a flat? If you live on the ground floor, this may be suitable accommodation to foster. High-rise flats are not considered appropriate for fostering young children as living at height poses health and safety risks. We would also assess whether there is an area for safe playing, and that communal areas are clean and tidy.

How long does the assessment process take? Approximately 6-months from initial enquiry until approval depending on your availability.

I am interested in applying to foster. Please contact the recruitment team on 0800 9888 931 or 0161 860 7666 who will take you initial details and arrange an initial visit.

I am interested in the specialist fostering, how can I get more information?

TOPS (Treatment Offering Placement Stability) - 0161 882 1335

DCT (Disabled Children's Team) - 0161 881 0911

Supported Lodgings - 0161 274 6287