Am I eligible to foster?
Life as a foster carer is a great adventure. Supported every step of the way by Foster for Staffordshire, you will make a real difference to a local child and help them to grow in confidence and get through difficult times.
Just as there are different types of fostering for different needs young people have, foster carers can come from a variety of backgrounds and can have different experiences, qualities and skills to help meet the needs of our young people in foster care.
What makes me eligible to foster with Foster for Staffordshire?
While not a legal requirement, there are some criteria that Foster for Staffordshire expect from you to be eligible to become a foster carer.
You need to:
- Live in Staffordshire.
- Have a spare bedroom.
- Be at least 21 years old.
You can be married, single, in a same-sex relationship or not met a partner yet. If you are in a relationship you need to have lived together for a minimum of 2 years.
What disqualifies you from becoming a foster parent?
We’d love to take on as many people as we can to become Foster for Staffordshire foster parents, however there are some factors that could disqualify you from becoming a foster carer. Please note that during the full assessment checks for financial stability are undertaken.
Can I smoke and foster?
You can smoke and foster most children, but to safeguard a child’s health, we won't place a child under the age of 5 within a household where somebody smokes.
If you decide to give up smoking and want to foster a child under the age of 5, you must have given up for a period of at least 6 months prior to applying to become a foster carer.
If you smoke e-cigarettes, Foster for Staffordshire will not see this as a reason to preclude you as a potential foster carer, purely on this basis. Your use of e-cigarettes will be assessed in the initial visit, as well as during the full prospective foster carer assessment.
Can I foster with a criminal conviction?
It depends on the type of conviction, but with a serious criminal conviction, you won’t be able to become a Foster for Staffordshire foster carer.
As part of our application process, you will have to disclose whether or not you have any criminal convictions.
Why should I foster?
Fostering can be a challenge but when you foster with us you’re not only helping a local child you’re making a difference to your local community.
Whatever your race, culture, gender, or relationship status the one thing you need to be able to offer is a stable and caring home.
Enquire online now or call 0800 169 2061 today and we’ll help answer your questions about fostering and short term fostering.
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