Choosing to be a foster carer

Foster carers come from all age groups and backgrounds, living in all kinds of homes.

Anyone with any combination of the circumstances below can apply to foster.

What they have in common is that they want to make a difference to a child's life.

There is no upper age limit to being a foster carer. You must be at least 21 years-old and medically fit to care for a child.

If you want to become a foster carer for a child over 2 years-old, you need:

• enough space – you must have a spare bedroom that's not in use, and you need to show you have enough room in your home to care for a child in a safe and secure environment

• enough time – being realistic about your working hours and other commitments, having enough time to do the school run and be involved with a child's activities and contact visits, as well as continuing your current routines

You may still be able to foster a baby up to the age of 2 if you don't have a spare bedroom, as long as:

• no-one in the household smokes or vapes (uses electronic cigarettes)
• you're able to take care of them every day rather than being out at work