Can I foster?

What skills do you need to become a foster carer?

While some skills can be beneficial when it comes to applying to become a foster carer, the biggest thing you need to have is an open mind and an open heart. So many children who come to Blue Sky Fostering need a safe and welcoming place to call home. Our team offers extensive and comprehensive training for different scenarios and types of fostering. 

Fostering will put some life experiences you didn’t know you had to the test and reveal things you didn’t know about yourself before. It will test you, but it will reward you in equal measure and beyond, with many of our Blue Sky Fostering carers remaining with us for many years in testament to the community we have created. 

Read our  foster carer stories to hear from the real experts on what it takes to be a foster carer. 

As long as you have… 

• A spare bedroom 

• An open mind to accept children of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life 

• Room in your family for an extra member (or two!) 

… then we want to hear from you! 

Can I foster? If...

I practice a religion. Can I foster?  

Yes, you can! We are always looking for foster carers from different backgrounds, cultures and religions, so we have the most opportunity to match young people with the foster carers best suited to them and their cultural and religious needs.  

Can I continue to work and be a foster carer?  

The agency prefers, where possible; for the primary carer to be at home and ready to fulfil the needs of the child should they be out of school or ill and to attend important meetings that will take place concerning the child's welfare. It is therefore ideal if the main person providing the care can be at home or they may work from home.  

Can foster carers have pets?  

Yes! Most of our foster carers have pets of some sort. Caring for pets tends to go hand in hand with the caring nature of foster carers. Once you've taken your first steps towards a career as a foster carer, we will begin the assessment process, and your pets are an important part of this process. Importantly, over and over again, we have seen the way children coming into care find it less daunting to make friends with your pets before they make friends with you! In addition, your pets can be instrumental in helping a child or young person settle in your home.  

I can't drive. Can I foster?  

Fostering is such an interesting and diverse career, and we know that only you will know what it's like to live with your foster child or young person daily. Because of your specialist knowledge of them, we (and they) need you to attend routine planning meetings. Meetings are only sometimes held near your home, and it is essential you can get them easily. In addition, there are times when children need to be transported to school, medical appointments, clubs, and to have contact with their families. Again, the venues may not be easily accessible by public transport. For these reasons, it is important that the primary carer can drive and has access to a car. Talk with us about this if it raises issues for you.  

We are a same-sex couple. Can we foster?  

Yes, so please do! It saddens us to think many fantastic people think they can't realise their dream to foster just because they are a same-sex couple. 

Please, don't waste time worrying about your set-up when you could give a child a future. 3% of our foster carers are same-sex couples.  

I rent my home. Can I foster?  

Yes. All we ask is that you gain written permission from your landlord which we can help you with. The most important thing is to remember the value you will add to a young person's life, and you don't need to own a house to do that!  

 I am single. Can I foster?  

Yes, most definitely! Sometimes we are explicitly asked for a single female or male foster carer. This is because some children and young people will have had a negative experience with females or males; they'll feel safer with you. Around 20% of our foster carers are single (both male and female).  

 I have a criminal record. Does that mean I can’t foster?  

While several criminal offences would exclude people from becoming foster carers, there is a number that won’t.  

Everyone’s background and experience differ, so we assess each applicant on their own merits. However, the most important thing is that you are completely honest and open with us at every assessment stage.  

If you are concerned about this in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact us for confidential advice. We are not here to judge you. On the contrary, we are here to help you achieve your wish to foster children and young people, so get in touch with us today.