who can foster

foster myths: separating fact from fiction

Foster care means different things to different people. It’s not one picture but many. Because of how varied the role is, we need a varied community of foster carers, each with their own culture, strengths and experience. From short term fostering to something more permanent, there are lots of ways to foster – but what’s always true is that it’s about making a difference for local children. You see the good you do every day.

Our role as your foster care support network is to offer dedicated training, advice and support at all hours, whenever you need it – we’re not 9 to 5. We’re local, just like you, and we’re there whenever you need us.

Together with your community of friends, family and loved ones, we come together to make a difference. To make the future brighter and more exciting. Before you start your application to become a foster carer, you should ask yourself: is that something I want to be a part of? If so, you’re ready.

can I foster if I work full time?

Some foster carers don’t have a job outside of fostering, and others do. The short answer is, if you can find the balance between caring for a child and working, then a full-time job is not a barrier to becoming a foster carer.

The joy of being a foster carer is that you’re changing someone’s life. It’s a big commitment, and it takes time – but you don’t do it alone. If you work as well, you might need extra support from a partner, from family or close friends. We make it work, together.

can I be a foster carer if I live in rented accommodation?

The most important factor isn’t whether you own or rent your home, but whether it can become a place of safety and security for a child who needs it. If you have a spare room, you have the potential to open up your home to a foster child – mortgage or not.

can I foster if I have children of my own?

Absolutely, yes. We have lots of foster parents with children of their own, and the sibling bonds that form out of fostering can be really beneficial – they help teach the importance of compassion and kindness, how to care for people and understand their different stories. These are skills that last and continue to benefit people long into the future.

Fostering is about coming together and accepting someone new into your family – you all come together to care and make a difference.

am I too old to foster?

There is no upper age limit when it comes to becoming a foster carer. So, whether you are in your mid-twenties or you’re 70+, you could make a wonderful foster parent. We take things like general health and mobility into account during the application process, so as long as you are reasonably fit and healthy, your age is not an obstacle.

am I too young to foster?

If you feel that becoming a foster parent is your calling, don’t worry about being too young. You can bring the same passion, dedication and care to the role as someone older. It’s true that life experience has its benefits, but don’t worry. We’ll offer you all the support, training and guidance you need, right from the start of your fostering journey.

do couples who foster have to be married or in a civil partnership?

We don’t look at your marital status as an important factor when you apply to become a foster carer. Whether you are married, single, in a civil partnership or simply in a relationship, the important thing to consider is whether you can offer stability and consistent care.

Your partner is an important part of your life, and we recognise that by including them in your application. The Foster Wales Newport team works with both of you along with your network of friends and family, so we can be sure fostering is right for everyone involved.

can I foster If I’m transgender?

You can foster regardless of what your gender identity is. We care about the qualities that make you an excellent foster parent – your warm heartedness, your compassion and your unique skills – and while your gender identity makes you who you are, it doesn’t affect whether fostering is for you.

can I foster If I’m gay?

Whatever your sexual orientation, you can foster. We offer every prospective foster parent the exact same dedication and support, and we’ll guide you through the process so you know exactly what to expect. It’s a commitment, but it’s rewarding too – and your role is to simply be yourself.

can I foster If I have a dog or cat?

All pets are considered as part of your application if you decide to become a foster carer. What this means is that we’ll assess their temperaments and how they might get on with any new members of your family. The love and support a pet can offer is different to what you can provide as a foster parent, but it can be valuable too.

can I foster if I smoke?

You can still become a foster carer in Newport if you smoke, but smoking is something we consider when it comes to matching you with a child in our care. If you smoke, it will mean that some children are better suited to joining your family than others.

If you do decide you want to quit smoking, we’ll be there to offer you support.

can I foster If I’m unemployed?

We recognise that everyone has ups and downs when it comes to work. Because of this, you can apply to be a foster parent no matter what your employment status may be.

If you are between jobs, we still encourage you to apply – but only if you feel it’s the right time for you. Throughout the process we’ll work closely with you to make sure you know what taking on the role will mean.

can I foster if I don’t have a big house?

Foster homes each look unique – whether your home is a flat or a house, terraced or on its own, it has the potential to be a place of safety for someone who needs it.

Every child in our care needs their own bedroom, and that’s the main thing – so if you have a spare room that isn’t doing much at the moment, why not turn it into something life changing.