As with all things in life, myths have grown up around fostering. People who could make great foster carers are reluctant to apply because they think they will be declined. We debunk these myths and illustrate that there are relatively few factors that prevent most adults from fostering.
Myth: I’m Not Trained, Experienced, or Qualified to Look After Foster Kids
Not only do you not need any qualifications to be a foster carer, but you do not need to be pre-trained. The fostering agency will provide you with all the training and support you need. You need not have experience looking after children to qualify. There is also ongoing training available to keep growing your skills and enable you to work with foster children who have disabilities, for example. Visit orangegrovefostercare.co.uk to find out more about different types of foster care.
Myth: Single and LGBTQ+ People Cannot Foster
Your marital status or partnerships do not exclude you from fostering. Nor do your gender identity or sexual preferences. Agencies look for people who can provide a safe, welcoming home for foster children and test all applicants via a single process. There is great diversity in those who have been accepted as foster carers, including LGBTQ+ applicants.
Myth: I’m Renting so I Cannot Apply
This is yet another myth that is untrue. It goes hand-in-hand with the myth that people in flats cannot become foster carers. You can be a renter or live in a flat. You must have a dedicated spare bedroom for a foster child to use.
Myth: I Have a Job
Just because you are working, this will not count against you. You do need to be flexible to attend meetings and need to be able to get your foster child to school or their nursery school. You should (all foster carers) have a support network of family or friends to call on in an emergency.
Myth: I Cannot Afford to Foster
The concern with this myth is that you have to have enough money to take on the care of the foster children placed with you. In fact, you will get paid an allowance weekly by the fostering agency for each child in your care as well as a professional service fee for being a foster carer.
Myth: I Cannot Foster Because I Have Biological Children
Having your own children does not prevent you from becoming a foster carer. As long as you have a spare bedroom for a foster child and do not let them share a room (except in approved instances with their own siblings), you can apply. A foster child will be matched carefully with each family.
Myth: I’m too Old, or I’m too Young
You need to be at least 18 (ideally 21) years of age to foster but there is no ceiling age. All prospective foster carers are taken through a health assessment to ensure that they are physically capable of fostering (the agency pays for this). There are many foster carers over 60 years of age.
Myth: I Can Only Foster Children from the Same Religion as Me
The environment you give a child is what counts. And, naturally, you need to respect the child’s beliefs if these differ from yours, but you can still practice your religion. Social workers are always available to discuss any questions you have and provide you with guidance.
Looking after a foster child is one of the most rewarding careers to embark on.
This article was contributed to the Not In Jersey site. Thank you to the author.
