who can foster

foster myths: separating fact from fiction

You might have a fixed idea of who can foster – but the truth is, anyone with a spare room has the potential to join us.

Making sure we have a diverse mix of carers, with different backgrounds, experiences and stories, is important to us. We celebrate everything that makes you unique.

So, can you make a difference, and do you want to? These are the most important questions when it comes to fostering.

can I foster if I work full time?

It’s possible to work as well as foster – this may just require some extra thought and planning. It may mean you need additional support from family and friends in your role as a foster carer.

The important thing to consider is whether you are prepared to be there, whenever you are needed. At the end of the day, fostering is a commitment. But it’s also something that requires a team approach. You’re not out there on your own – you work with a dedicated team of social workers, teachers, therapists and friends. At every step, we’re here to support you.

can I be a foster carer if I live in rented accommodation?

Many foster carers rent instead of owning their own homes, so don’t worry if the same is true for you. Whether renting or paying a mortgage, it’s about whether you feel secure where you live. If you do, then so could a child.

We work with you to figure out what will be best for you, depending on where you call home.

can I foster if I have children of my own?

Every foster family is different – some foster carers have their own children, and others don’t. In either case, accepting a foster child into your home means expanding your family and having one more person to love and care for.

The experience of having a sibling can be beneficial for both your children and the foster child. It means building a new friendship and learning how to care. It teaches insight, compassion and understanding – and these are qualities that last a lifetime.

am I too old to foster?

There is no upper age limit when it comes to fostering, so whether you are in the early stages of adult life or more experienced, you could become a foster carer.

Whatever your age may be, you’ll receive the same expert local support and training. We provide everything you need to equip you for the journey ahead

am I too young to foster?

From the age of 21 upwards, anyone can foster for RCT. It’s not about a number but the support and dedication you can offer.

So, although life experience can be helpful, you can be a wonderful foster carer from a younger age too. And, with our network of support to guide you, you’ll feel ready and able to progress in your fostering role.

do couples who foster have to be married or in a civil partnership?

We don’t have special requirements when it comes to either the length or the status of your relationship. You don’t have to be married or in a civil partnership to foster – and we accept single foster carers too.

Children need stability, so the main question we ask is whether this is what you can offer. If so, then you could foster.

can I foster if I’m transgender?

Yes, you can. When it comes to what will make you a great foster carer, your gender is not a factor. We value and respect everything that makes you who you are, and the qualities that matter most to us are your personality, your skills and your caring
nature.

can I foster if I’m gay?

We celebrate and support our LGBTQ+ foster carers in Rhondda Cynon Taf, and this is true for every Local Authority in Wales. Your sexual orientation doesn’t have a bearing on your ability as a foster carer – instead it’s your commitment to being the person who listens and cares, who offers a safe space to a child, that we look for.

can I foster if I have a dog or cat?

Pets can offer foster children a different kind of love and support, and we recognise that they are members of your family. This is why all pets are included in a foster carer’s assessment.

We get to know your pets, just as we get to know everyone else who plays a part in your life, and we look at how they might get on with future foster children.

can I foster if I smoke?

Smoking won’t stop you from becoming a foster carer, but it may have a bearing on the kinds of children you can foster. There are different regulations around foster care and smoking (including e-cigarettes and vaping) but the most important thing is being honest. If you decide you want to quit smoking, we can offer guidance and support to help you.

Ultimately, we always look to match each child with the foster families best suited to them, and we take all your qualities into account.

can I foster if I’m unemployed?

Some foster carers foster full time, as their only job, while others work part-time or full-time. We know that everyone has ups and downs with employment, so being unemployed is not a barrier.

When it comes to being a good foster parent, it’s your ability to offer support, guidance and love every day is what matters. So, no matter what your employment status may be, you can put yourself forward. We’ll work with you to make sure the timing is right.

can I foster if I don’t have a big house?

Every single foster home is different, and that’s how it should be. Having a large house isn’t a condition to becoming a foster carer – you can have any kind of home.

The one thing you will need is a spare room you can offer. This will become a safe space for your foster child, where they can be themselves and feel secure.