There is no such thing as a typical foster carer. Like the children they look after, our carers come from all sorts of different backgrounds. We welcome applications from people in all types of family situations with a variety of lifestyles. Carers may be single, divorced, working or not working, although often it may not be practical for the main carer to be working full-time.
We welcome applicants of all racial and cultural backgrounds so that we can place children with the most appropriate carers who reflect their religious, cultural and racial identity.
No formal qualifications are needed but all carers are expected to attend post-approval training to develop skills, some of which you will already have. Foster carers have the opportunity to undertake a National Vocational Qualification.
All foster carers share a concern for children, have energy, commitment and 'stickability'. Carers need to be flexible, consistent, patient, tolerant and have an understanding of children's needs and development. A sense of humour definitely helps! Carers must be willing to work closely with us and also with the child's birth family. Carers need to be open to advice and support. All carers need to offer a safe, comfortable environment for children and young people. Foster carers need to keep in close contact with a foster child's school, encourage their education, ensure their health needs are met and ensure that hospital or dental appointments are kept.
Police checks are undertaken for all applicants and adult members of the household. We cannot continue any assessment where an applicant has committed certain offences including offences of a sexual or violent nature.
Fostering affects the whole family so you will need to discuss the idea with your own children who will be involved during the assessment process.
