Who Can Foster?

Becoming a foster parent is not about fitting into a specific mould it is about having the qualities to care for and support a child. The most important traits are the ability to listen, empathize, provide a stable and loving home, and advocate for the children in your care.

Unfortunately, many people exclude themselves from fostering due to misconceptions about eligibility. These include single individuals, LGBTQ+ people, members of Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BME) communities, or those who don’t own their home.

The truth is all kinds of people can foster, regardless of:

  • Relationship status (single, married, cohabiting, same-sex couples)
  • Sexual orientation
  • Ethnicity or cultural background
  • Religious beliefs
  • Homeownership status

Children from diverse backgrounds need foster families who can relate to their experiences—or who are simply willing to learn. If you’re open to discovering new ways of thinking and you’re committed to helping a child or young person thrive, don’t rule yourself out!

 

Am I Suitable to Foster?

Foster parents come from all walks of life. What you look like or what you might believe in doesn’t matter. What truly matters is your ability to provide the right care and support for a vulnerable young person.

While Flourish Fostering thoroughly assesses every applicant, many myths surround fostering eligibility. Below are some non-negotiables.

Requirements to Foster:

  1. Age: You must be at least 21 years old.
  2. Passion: You should have a genuine desire to help children achieve their potential.
  3. Home Space: Foster children must have a bedroom to themselves.
  4. Availability: Being a foster parent is a full-time role and the needs of the child comes first and foremost. This means that either: your working hours must be extremely flexible or fostering should be your only commitment. If fostering as a couple, one of you will likely be more available and become the primary carer.
  5. Willingness to Learn: You must be open minded and eager to develop skills through training.
  6. Assessment: Before becoming a foster parent you must pass an assessment which includes legal and personal references, a health check, and an evaluation of your lifestyle and suitability.

 

What Can You Offer a Foster Child?

Whether you’ve raised children or are new to caregiving, your life experiences and values can make a meaningful difference to a child. Many foster children simply need a home where they feel secure, supported, and encouraged to succeed.

As a foster parent, you can:

  • Provide a safe, stable, and loving environment.
  • Promote a sense of family and belonging.
  • Support children’s education in partnership with their school and Flourish Fostering.
  • Help them grow into confident, well-rounded young adults.

With Flourish Fostering’s comprehensive training and 24/7 support, you’ll have the tools to make a lasting impact on a child’s life.

Start Your Journey

Foster parents at Flourish Fostering are passionate about making a difference for vulnerable children. By offering love, stability, and encouragement, they transform lives every day.

If you have the skills, patience, and passion to help children flourish, take the first step. Contact us today to find out more about becoming a foster parent with Flourish Fostering.