Foster Parenting: UK Edition
We’ve addressed aspects of Foster Parenting in the US before, but given our audience - and with thousands of children in the UK in the foster care system, we thought it worth it to offer insight on criteria needed for foster parenting within the UK. Providing a safe, loving, and supportive home for a child in need is one of the most selfless and rewarding things a person can do. But before you take any further steps, it’s worth finding out more about what you need to become a foster parent.
Basic Requirements
To become a foster parent in the UK, you will usually need to be over the age of 21. You’ll also need to be a legal UK citizen or have indefinite leave to remain in the UK. Age checks and residency checks will be made by a fostering Derby agency before a decision for your application is made.
Background Checks
Due to the nature of the work, you will need to pass background checks before you can be signed off as suitable for fostering a child. In most cases, an enhanced DBS check will be performed, which brings up any criminal records or arrests that a foster agency will need to be aware of. If you have any such history, it may not be possible to foster. You should always be honest with the foster agency regarding criminal or arrest history, as some instances may not be serious enough for it to be an automatic no.
Home Checks
You do not need to own your own home before you can become a foster parent. However, if you are renting privately or from the council or a housing association, you will need to have permission from the landlord before you can foster. This will usually be required in writing by the foster agency.
Foster Child Space
To be able to foster a child, you will need to be able to provide them their own space in your home. A foster child should have their own bedroom, which may mean making some logistical changes if you have your own children at home. While in some cases, siblings might be able to share a room, in most cases, you will need to provide a private space for each child, which is worth considering if you want to be a foster parent to more than one child.
Time
Although you can be a foster parent if you are working full-time, you will need to demonstrate that your job allows enough time and flexibility for you to prioritise the child’s care. When you are a foster parent, you may be required to attend meetings throughout the week in business hours or meet with birth families. You don’t have to work as a foster parent as there is an allowance available. However, if you do choose to work, you will benefit from a work from home arrangement or flexible schedule.
Becoming a foster parent can be one of the most rewarding things to do with your life. But before fostering, there are some criteria you will need to meet.
