"Can you foster if you haven't raised your own children?"
This is a very common question and is often perceived as a barrier to fostering.
The short answer is yes - you can foster if you don't have your own children.
It is common to see foster parents who have had children that have since grown into adults and have moved away from the family home. Whilst this experience of raising children into adulthood is extremely valuable, it’s not necessary to become a foster carer.
During your assessment to decide if you are able to become a foster carer, we will ask you about and explore the experience you have of caring for children.
This can come from a number of areas:
Volunteering with children, e.g. volunteering at a school for children with special needs
Working with children, e.g. working as a teacher
Caring for friends’ or family members’ children, e.g. having a role in raising younger siblings
Being a step-parent
Or any other relevant experience
We will talk to you in-depth about the childcare experience you do have and use the information as just part of your formal assessment.
There are lots of foster carers who haven’t had children of their own, so don't worry, it won’t stop you!
If you'd like to find out more, please do get in touch for an informal, no-obligation chat with a member of our team. We will be happy to answer all your questions so that you can make an informed decision.