When it comes to fostering, there are a lot of misconceptions. We want to dispel some of the most common fostering myths during Greater Manchester Fostering Fortnight 2024...

“I'm too old to foster”

There is no upper age limit to foster, and there are many fantastic foster carers in their 60s or 70s. What matters is that you are fit and able to care for, and meet the needs, of any child you are approved to care for. 

Older foster carers can bring considerable expertise and life experience to fostering, and young people can benefit greatly from the calming, steadying influence of an older foster carer.  

“I'm too old to foster”

When it comes to formal requirements, there are very few reasons why you may be unable to become a foster carer. You must be over 18 (although most fostering providers prefer you to be over 21) and be a UK resident or have indefinite leave to remain in the UK. 

People in the under-35 age bracket can bring a great deal of empathy and understanding to the role, which can help greatly with the communication and trust relationship between fostered child and foster carer. 

“I'm single, i can't foster"

You can be married, single or living with someone. Remember that your partner will also be assessed as to their suitability to foster children. 

“I can't foster, i'm a member of the lgbtq+ community"

Your sexual orientation is not important when determining your ability to provide a safe home and sensitive care. Every young person in need of foster care is different, with their own story and challenges, so there needs to be diversity among the foster carer community too.

Hear from existing foster carers about their experiences here.

“I can't foster because i don't own my own home"

You don’t need to be a homeowner, but a secure rental agreement is important. You will need to have a spare bedroom big enough for a child or young person, as they cannot share a room, except with a same-sex sibling. Your home should provide an environment that is suitable for children. 

“I can't foster because english isn't my first language"

English does not have to be your first language. There are many children and young people in foster care who do not have English as their first language. Therefore, being placed in a family where English is not their first language can be beneficial to them. But you will need a good level of spoken and written English to be able to communicate with other professionals, support children’s education and make notes and keep records.

“I can't foster because my spare room isn't big"

You will need to have a spare bedroom big enough for a child or young person, this will be checked in the assessment process.   

“I can't foster, my children still live at home"

Some foster carers have children of their own, and some do not. If you do, remember that you are also asking them to accept another child in their lives. The children of foster carers have a particularly important role in fostering and the impact on them can be profound. They must find room in their homes and hearts for children they have never met before and share their parents’ love and time. They form relationships with children and young people who may move on and have little or no contact with them, and sometimes they must try to understand behaviour that they know to be wrong or inappropriate. All of this requires a degree of empathy that could be well beyond their years. 

Hear from existing foster carers about their experiences here.

“I can't foster a child who has a different faith to me"

People of all religious faiths can be foster carers. However, you will need to think about the adjustments you might need to make to accommodate somebody else’s religious beliefs and traditions. Children should live with foster families who can meet their needs, including religious needs. For example, how will you cater for faith-based dietary requirements or the need for prayer at designated times? How will you respond if you feel a young person is not being respectful of your beliefs? 

“I can't foster because I won't be able to go on holiday"

You are able to go on holiday with the children you care for in the UK and abroad. Your local authority can support you with making this happen. 

“I can't foster, I've got pets"

Pets are part of normal family life and can even be seen as a positive when you foster a child! Every pet will be assessed as part of the process of becoming a foster carer, considering factors such as their temperament and behaviour. 

“I can't foster, I smoke cigarettes"

If you are a smoker you may still be considered as a foster parent. However, all foster carers should provide a smoke-free environment for children and fostering services take into account the impact on the health of any children who will live with you. Why not use this as an opportunity to kick the smoking habit? For advice on how to quit smoke visit the Make Smoking History website.

“I won't have a say about the child i'm matched with so i don't want to foster"

When you apply to foster with your local authority, you're matched with a supervising social worker.

Your supervising social worker will know your skills and capabilities, this will be explored fully during assessment, and you'll work together a lot.

There will be lots of discussions and information shared with you before a mutual decision with your supervising social worker is made about welcoming a child into your home. You'll also have continued support from your local authority throughout your fostering journey.

“I can't foster, I'd have to make a long-term commitment"

Many children don’t require long term foster care, children may require a short break with another family or short-term care until a long term plan is made for their future. Some carers provide emergency care for children where there are no alternative options, until a suitable family is identified.   

There are loads of different types of fostering, from short-term to emergency and supported lodgings. You can find the right type that fits into your lifestyle. Find out more about the different types of fostering.

“I can't foster, i have a long-term health condition"

Every prospective foster carer goes through the same assessment process, which includes a medical check to check for any health or disability issues that would prevent them from being able to provide the best standard of care to a young person. As long as you can give a fostered young person a safe, secure and happy home then your health condition or disability should not stand in your way of doing so. It may even mean you can bring a unique set of life experiences to the role of foster carer, which may give a different perspective, hope and inspiration to the young people whose lives you touch through fostering. 

“I can't foster, i'm moving house soon"

You can move house with a foster child, however home safety checks would be required in order to meet statutory regulations. If you were moving during the assessment period, the new property would also need to be assessed as part of the approval process.