Why becoming a foster carer is easier than you might think

Becoming a foster carer is, understandably, a big step to take. It’s an incredibly rewarding journey, but sadly, many people rule themselves out based on fostering myths alone.  

To quash some of these untruths, we’ve created a helpful list of eight myths and facts. Most are concerned with the perceived barriers to fostering, but there are some about what it is like to foster– that will hopefully dispel any misconceptions.  

Myth 1: Fostering is only for married couples  

Fact: Foster families come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. That’s one of the best things about NCT’s foster carer community. We have single people, same-sex partners, large families, and cohabiting couples fostering children and young people. Your marital status is not a barrier to becoming a foster carer.  

Myth 2: Fostering is for homeowners only  

Fact: You do not need to be a homeowner to foster. At NCT, we have plenty of foster carers who rent their home. As long as you are financially secure, your landlord is aware of your intention to welcome new children into your home, and you can provide a safe family environment you can foster.  

There is one thing that is necessary, however. You will need to have a spare unoccupied bedroom that your foster child can call their own. 

Myth 3: I cannot foster if I am from the LGBTQ+ community  

Fact: Individuals from the LGBTQ+ can absolutely become foster carers. In fact, there are laws and regulations in place that explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.  

We’re incredibly proud of how diverse our foster carer community is and wholeheartedly welcome applications from anyone over the age of 21.  

Myth 4: I must be a parent to foster  

Fact: You do not need to already be a parent to foster. Although childcare experience is beneficial, you’ll receive full training both during and after the fostering assessment process. The important thing is that you can provide a safe and nurturing environment for a child or young person, regardless of whether you’re a parent or not.  

Myth 5: My ethnicity will stop me from being able to foster  

Fact: You do not have to share the same ethnicity as the children you foster. In fact, there’s a huge need for foster carers from all ethnic backgrounds to ensure that children living away from their birth families have access to culturally sensitive and inclusive care. The important thing is that you’re able to promote a sense of belonging, identity, and cultural understanding for children in your care.  

Myth 6: I am too old to foster  

Fact: Many people rule themselves out based on age alone, but you’ll be glad to know there is no upper age limit to fostering. As long as you’re over 21 years old, your age will not be a concern. In fact, here at NCT, we have some amazing foster carers in their 70s, whose life experience and time are a real benefit to children and young people.  

Myth 7: I cannot foster if I have pets 

Fact: Many children and young people love pets, and so you can still foster if you have pets. As part of the fostering assessment process, we will assess whether your pet poses any concerns. 

Myth 8: Fostering is a permanent arrangement  

Fact: Fostering can be both short-term and long-term. It can range from providing temporary care for a few days, weeks, or months to offering a stable, permanent home for a child who is living away from their birth family. 

As part of our fostering assessment process, we will explore the different types of fostering that are best suited to you.  

Start your fostering journey with us 

We hope we’ve gone some way to breaking down some of the misconceptions about fostering.  

To start the foster carer application process with us, all we ask is that you: 

• Are at least 21 years of age  
• Have a spare bedroom for a foster child  
• Have the time and skills required to care for a child or young person 

We’ll never place you under any pressure to foster as it’s just as important to us and our children and young people that you can provide a safe and secure family home.  

We’d love to have an initial chat. To start your fostering journey, simply call us on [insert tel] or email us at [insert email]