Who can foster?

foster myths: separating fact from fiction

As a foster carer, you can change a child’s life in so many ways. Whether it’s an overnight stay or a long-term placement, fostering can mean different things. It needs different people too – we need foster carers who have diverse backgrounds, experiences, and stories.

We’re your dedicated support system. We work as a team with your family, friends and community, to achieve the best for children in Anglesey.

When it comes to who can foster, ask yourself these two things: can you make a difference, and do you want to?

can I foster if I work full time?

If you work full time, you can still foster. A full-time job isn’t a hurdle, but it may need extra thought.

For example, as a full-time worker, you could foster part time by offering short breaks. Fostering can fit into your life if you want it to. It needs commitment and a collaborative approach: you’ll work beside social workers, teachers and therapists, and we’re here to support you throughout your journey.

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

Yes. It doesn’t matter whether you rent or pay a mortgage.

What if your spare room could be used to create a safe spot for a child who needs it? somewhere they can feel at home.

The most important thing is that you feel secure where you live. We can figure out what will work best for you, whether you own your home or rent.

can I foster if I have children of my own?

Yes, you can. Fostering will expand your family and bring more children into your home for you to love and look after.

Having foster siblings can also be beneficial to children. It gives them insight, helps them to build bonds with other children and develops their ability to care for others.

am I too old to foster?

There’s no such thing as being too old to foster – people of all ages can become a foster carer. We’ll ensure you receive the professional local support and training you need to prepare you for your journey into fostering.

am I too young to foster?

There’s no lower age limit for fostering. Being young doesn’t mean you can’t become a foster carer. We’ll guide you through the fostering journey, ensuring you’re able to fully meet the needs of children in our care.

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

Your marital status is not considered at all. What matters is what you can offer a child – can you offer stability? A safe, loving home? These are the things that make a difference.

As your local Foster Wales team we’ll help you decide if now is the right time for you to foster, regardless of whether or not you’re married or in a civil partnership.

can I foster if I’m transgender?

Your gender doesn’t determine if you’re suitable to foster a child. Your personal qualities and skills are the all-important factors.

can I foster if I’m gay?

Yes. Your sexual orientation isn’t a consideration for fostering. What is important is your commitment to providing a safe, stable home for a child.

can I foster if I have a dog or cat?

Having a pet won’t affect your fostering application. In fact, pets can provide another level of support to a foster child and be a real benefit in a foster family.

We’ll include your pet dog or cat in your assessment to ensure your pet is safe around children.

can I foster if I smoke?

Being a smoker won’t necessarily prevent you from fostering but with us it does mean that you can’t foster children under the age of 5 years. If you want to stop smoking, we’ll offer support to help you cut down and quit.

We’re dedicated to finding a suitable match between your family and the children in our care.

can I foster if I’m unemployed?

Being unemployed won’t restrict you from fostering. Being a good foster carer means being able to provide support, guidance and love, but financial stability is considered too. So with that in mind, we’ll work with you to figure out if now is the right time for you to foster.

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

A big house isn’t a requirement for becoming a foster carer. As long as you have a spare bedroom in a stable environment, you could provide a child with the safe space they need.