What disqualifies you from being a foster carer?

What disqualifies you from being a foster carer?

You’ve decided to transform a child’s life - to guide, inspire and support a young person who truly needs you by applying to become a foster carer. However, there are a few factors that could impact your foster care application process. So, we're here to squash any foster care myths you may have come across during your research and help you overcome any hurdles that may stand between you and a successful fostering application.

First and foremost, our focus is whether you can provide a safe space for a young person. Foster carers are in decline, and many children need a place to call home. Join the 42,600 households helping the next generation and become a foster carer.

The process of fostering a child can take between three and six months from your initial enquiry. But every assessment is different, so don't worry if your application takes a little longer to process. Read on to learn more about what can disqualify you from fostering in the UK.

What requirements do I need to meet?

The following factors are non-negotiable for your application to pass the first stage and qualify for foster care consideration:

• You must have a spare bedroom
• You must have good mental and physical health
• You must be over the age of 21

So, what could disqualify me from fostering?

All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis. While some circumstances may not necessarily stop you from being approved, there must be evidence that there is no risk to the young people who will be in your care.

Abuse, addiction, violence and neglect

While in some cases, you can foster with a criminal record, it also depends on the severity, nature and recency of the crime. Serious convictions, violent and sexual crimes, or any crimes against children will exclude you from being a foster carer.

Your ability to provide a safe environment can also be affected if you struggle with substance abuse and addiction.

Transparency about your history is appreciated, and we acknowledge labels don’t define your intentions, so all applications are independently reviewed.

Finances and work

To help provide a nurturing environment and remunerate you for your efforts, we offer a fostering allowance of up to £43,680 per child – which is also tax-free for most people.

However, successful applicants must still demonstrate financial stability prior to fostering. And this doesn’t explicitly mean you’re required to have a full-time job or that you’ll be discriminated against for having a part-time position.

Every decision will be made in the best interests of the young person. For instance, as a single person, full-time daycare may not be deemed appropriate while you work, but afterschool clubs and other childcare arrangements may be suitable.

To support the bond between you and your foster child, you’re also expected to be available to attend meetings, training and support groups, and support contact between your foster child and their family. If you’re a couple looking to foster, one of you should always be free if one of you is at work to ensure efficient facilitation.

Additionally, claiming benefits won’t affect your application. Fostering payments aren’t usually recognised as income either, so they won’t be calculated alongside any benefits you may claim. Nevertheless, while you’ll receive a fostering allowance, you should not regard this as secure income. The duration of fostering arrangements varies, so you must consider how you’ll financially manage when a child isn’t living in your care.

Living arrangements

It’s never a case of choosing someone with the grandest house, gadgets in every room or a garden the size of a small farm. All that’s needed is a safe, secure building and spare room with enough space for the young person to live. Privacy is also a must.

If you rent, you don’t have to worry about your application being dismissed. Many foster carers rent, but you should demonstrate your living situation is stable. Again, our main priority is that you’re committed, compassionate and empathetic with a solid home setup.

Physical and mental health

It’s also our responsibility to ensure all applicants are physically and psychologically fit enough to care for, guide and support a young person’s wellbeing and livelihood. Chronic illness or disabilities won’t prevent you from fostering. However, your health will be considered during your application process and when foster placements are determined.

Many fostering services also have policies regarding smoking, which consider both the effects on children placed in your care and the critical role foster carers play as positive role models for young people. As a result, you may be restricted from fostering children under five or those with specific health conditions if you smoke.

If you’re unsure about a physical ailment or mental health condition impacting your application, request a call back from one of our advisors.

Other concerns

Travel and transport

Driving or owning a car isn’t a requirement for fostering. While having a vehicle can be helpful when taking your foster child to school, attending appointments or visiting their birth family, it’s not essential. So long as you can show you have reliable access to public transport, you can still meet your foster child’s needs.

Pets

You can foster if you have pets, but you must adhere to certain guidelines. All pets must be healthy, well-cared for and kept under control. Outside areas and gardens should also be regularly tended to and cleared of waste.

If you have a question about how to become a foster carer, read our fostering FAQs, download our guide or contact one of our friendly FosterCare UK advisors.