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Fostering myths
Good evening and welcome to the second of six bulletins designed to help you find out more about becoming a foster carer.
In this bulletin we’re going to tackle some of the most common fostering myths we’ve heard when we talk to people about foster care.
*I can’t foster as I'm not the right age*
21 is the youngest age that we'll consider for foster carers but we do not have any upper age limits.
Bulletin 2.1
*I want to foster but I have a disability*
People with disabilities do become foster carers and make a valuable contribution to fostering. As part of the approval process for all foster carers, your GP will need to verify that you are physically able to look after children and not putting your own health at risk.
*I can’t foster as I do not own my own home*
You do not need to own your own home to foster. If you're looking after a child aged 2 or over then you'll need to have a spare bedroom.
*I'm single*
Marital status and sexuality is not a barrier to fostering. Our foster carers may be single, married, in a civil partnership, divorced or living with a partner. We welcome applications from everyone whether straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans.
*I do not have children*
Having your own child is not a requirement. You may be good with children thanks to working with them, through your family and friends, or volunteering. If you do have children of your own we carefully match foster children to your family and circumstances.
Bulletin 2.2
*I have not worked with children or young people*
We're happy to have foster carers from all sorts of backgrounds so we can offer a variety of homes. We offer excellent training, support and development so you're ready for the rewards and challenges fostering brings. If you have not worked with children we only ask that you've got some experience caring for them through family or volunteering.
*I'd love to foster but I work*
There are different types of fostering so you can still do it while working. Many of our working foster carers offer short-break or respite foster care.
*I’d love to foster but I have a criminal record*
During the assessment process, you must disclose any criminal offences so we can discuss your suitability as a carer. While we can accept that some offences will not limit your chance to foster, some offences will automatically prevent you from proceeding through the assessment, but please talk to us for more information.
So if any of these popular myths have stopped you from fostering, hopefully this has helped set your mind at rest. If you have you heard something we’ve not covered here or have a question – please email them to fostering@derbyshire.gov.uk
*In our next bulletin we’ll talk about the different types of foster care.*
Till next time,
The Fostering Team.
If you've already made up your mind you can take the following actions:
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You can fill in our fostering form, we'll then contact you in the next few days for a chat.
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