Is it for me?

While almost anyone can apply, foster carers need special qualities and some people will be more suited to it than others. Foster carers need to have the time and energy to invest in a child or young person. They must be able to communicate effectively, not only with children and young people but with social workers, the children's birth families and others concerned with the wellbeing of the children in their care. Foster carers need to be flexible and non-judgmental, as well as patient and understanding. A sense of humour is also a necessity!

As well as having the qualities needed to foster you need to have the skills and experience required to look after children and young people in your care. The fostering service you work for will help you identify what these are and offer any training and support you require to develop these.

Fostering services need to recruit a variety of foster carers. You can apply to foster regardless of your marital status, sexuality or residential status. Foster carers are needed from a diverse range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds which reflect the children and young people who are in care.

There are certain offences that will prevent you becoming a foster carer. If you have ever been convicted of a sexual offence or a violent act towards a child then you will not be able to foster.