There’s no such thing as a ‘typical’ foster carer, but here’s the most common myths about fostering along with the facts around who can foster that you may not be aware of . . .
I’m single so can’t be a foster carer
❌FALSE – Anyone can foster – you just need to have the desire to look after children and young people, providing them with love, care and support in the short or longer-term. Single men and women are welcomed and encouraged to become foster carers. As a foster carer, you are part of a larger team so there is no need to have a spouse or partner to share the responsibilities of caring for a child. You never foster alone; there is a strong team working with you.
I don’t own a home, so I can’t be a foster carer
❌FALSE – You don’t need to own your own home.
I can’t foster because I’m LGBTQ+
❌FALSE – Your sexual orientation does not form part of the fostering assessment.
I can’t foster because I’m working
❌FALSE – Working does not prevent people from fostering children and young people. When you apply to be a foster carer, we will discuss your job and your desire to keep it. Arrangements can often be made to accommodate it along with fostering.
I’m retired and too old to foster
❌FALSE – There is no upper age limit to be a foster carer and people who have retired are encouraged to apply.
I have a baby, so I can’t foster
❌FALSE – When you apply to become a foster carer, your current situation is discussed and assessed. A new baby in your household does not mean that you can’t foster.
I have pets, so I can’t become a foster carer
❌FALSE – Pets are considered great therapy pals for many children in care so you can have pets and foster.
I am disabled so cannot take care of a foster child
❌FALSE – Not all disabilities disqualify you from fostering. If you’re interested in fostering, we would love to hear from you.
I don’t have my own children so don’t have the experience to foster a child
❌FALSE – Experience of raising children is not required to be a foster carer. Training and support is provided.
I’m unemployed so can’t foster
❌FALSE – Being unemployed can be beneficial for becoming a foster carer – it means that you are always available to care for a child.
I want to find out more
✅ Now that the myths have been cleared up, you can learn more about fostering for Knowsley by calling Foster4Knowsley for an informal chat on 03456 460098, email enquiry@foster4.co.uk or visit https://www.foster4.co.uk/knowsley/