Can I become a foster parent?

We receive lots of questions about fostering criteria and eligibility for fostering in East Anglia and the Midlands. People often want to foster children but think they will not be considered due to their circumstances. We’ve answered some of the most commonly asked fostering questions below. But if you have any other questions or concerns, please do get in touch using our form or call 0333 358 3217.

I'm not married. Does it matter?

Not at all. We welcome applications from married couples, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, and single people. We need foster parents from different backgrounds to complement the diverse backgrounds of the children we need to foster.

Am I too old to be a foster parent?

No. As long as you are in good health and fit enough to care for children, you can apply. The experience that comes with age can be a great asset.

Can I be a foster parent in a rented house?

Yes. Many foster parents live in rented properties. You may need to let your landlord know that you are planning on fostering. The most important thing is that you have a spare room.

Can you be a foster parent with a criminal record?

If you have a criminal record it will not necessarily stop you from fostering. We would discuss the record and the circumstances with you. Some offences would prevent you becoming a foster parent, others would not. It is important that you let us know about any past offences when you apply.

Can I apply to be a foster parent if I am LGBTQ+?

Yes. We encourage applications from LGBTQ+ and heterosexual applicants. We assess your experience and ability to care, not your sexuality.

Can I apply to be a foster parent if I have not had my own children?

Yes. We will look at what other experience you’ve had of caring for children. This could be through other family, work or voluntary activities. We provide training in caring for children as part of the assessment process. We would need to check with you that it is fostering rather than adoption you are looking to do.

Am I too young to be a foster parent?

In law, the minimum age is 18 in England and Wales, 21 in Scotland. As with most agencies, we would like you to have some life experience. In general, we prefer applicants to be over the age of 21, nearer to their mid-twenties and above. However, we do look at each application in its own right. If you have significant experience of looking after children, or of foster care itself, either you were fostered or your parents foster, this can make a difference.

Do I have to give up my job to be a foster parent?

No, but it’s often helpful if the main foster parent in a fostering household is available at all times. We cannot ask that you give up work to foster but it may limit the children you can look after.

Many children are not in school when they first come into care. There are a number of meetings you will be expected to attend with social workers, health services etc., as well as regular training sessions which are usually held during office hours. It may be difficult to manage these if you work full time as well.

We pay our foster parents a comprehensive allowance when they have a child placed with them. This covers the cost of looking after a child and reflects your choice to foster rather than carry out another job. This allowance should not normally affect other benefits you may receive. For the most part, foster parents pay little or no tax on their allowance.

Do you have the qualities of a good foster parent?

If you think you would make a good foster parent, we would love to hear from you. AFA is an independent fostering agency looking for foster parents in several locations across East Anglia and the Midlands. If you are looking for a fostering agency near you, we help with fostering in Norfolk, Suffolk, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, and Milton Keynes.

Find out more about welcoming a foster child into your home, and why you should choose AFA as your independent fostering agency.