Fostering

We need carers over the age of 21 from all walks of life. Single applicants as well as couples and families are welcome. Couples do not need to be married or in a civil partnership but they must have lived together for a minimum of 2 years.

All potential foster carers need to value children and young people for who they are.

Children and young people will need their own room. It may be that siblings will want to share a room and this option is something we would want to explore on a case by case basis.

We will expect you to be of good health and fit to meet the day-to-day care needs of a young person placed with you.

There is good evidence that passive smoking can damage the health of children so we won't place a child under the age of five, a child with a disability which restricts their movement or a child who has a respiratory condition such as asthma with foster carers who smoke. If you do smoke we will encourage you to consider options to help you stop and ways you can minimise the impact of your smoking on the health of children.

Pets can be a benefit and bring enjoyment to a young person, however, part of the assessment will include suitability of any pets to be around children.

Fostering is a commitment for both parties, if you are applying as a couple it is important that both of you attend preparatory groups and are actively involved in the assessment process which will include statutory criminal record and reference checks.