who can foster

foster myths: Separating fact from fiction

Fostering lets you make a positive difference in our local community. It’s therefore only right that our carers reflect the rich, diverse cultural heritage of Wales’ capital city.

When it comes to who can foster, we ask: can you make a difference, and do you want to?

can I foster if I work full time?

Modern life is busy, we get that. If your schedule is jam-packed, you may need additional support from family and friends in your role as a foster carer. But don’t see your full-time career as a barrier to your foster care. A busier life may just need extra thought.

There is no doubt about it – fostering is a commitment that needs a team approach. You will work with a mix of social workers, support workers, teachers and therapists. And we are always here to support you, every step of the way.

can I be a foster carer if I live in rented accommodation?

If you feel secure where you live, then a child should do so too. It doesn’t matter if you’re renting or paying a mortgage. We can help figure out what works best for your circumstances depending on the place you call home.

can I foster if I have children of my own?

There is no such thing as a typical foster family. If you already have children of your own, taking care of a foster child just means extending your family to love and care for more people.

Having foster siblings can be wonderfully rewarding. It can give your children insight and help them form everlasting friendships. It can also build their ability to care for others.

am I too old to foster?

There is no upper age limit for becoming a foster carer. You can start this journey in your 20s or in your 70s. No matter your age, we will ensure that you get all of the expert local support and training you need to be the best carer you can be.

am I too young to foster?

There’s no upper age limit and no lower limit either. Although life experience is a very helpful bonus, being young doesn’t mean that you can’t foster. With our comprehensive network of support to guide you, you can enjoy the steps ahead regardless of your age.

do couples who foster have to be married or in a civil partnership?

Stability is something all children need. Whether you’re single or in a relationship doesn’t matter, as long as you can offer a good home and the right attitude. Your Foster Wales Cardiff team will help you work out if now is the right time to start fostering.

can I foster if I’m transgender?

Yes. Your gender has no bearing on whether you’ll make a good foster carer. Your personality, skills and your caring nature are the most important.

can I foster if I’m gay?

Yes, you can. Your sexual orientation isn’t a factor when it comes to foster caring. The most important factors are your commitment to being the carer who listens and cares for the child and someone who can offer a safe space for them to live.

can I foster if I have a dog or cat?

Having a dog, cat or any other kind of pet doesn’t mean you can’t become a foster carer. We will include pets when assessing you to make sure they, and any future foster children, will get on together.

Pets can often be extremely beneficial and offer a different kind of support in a foster family.

can I foster if I smoke?

Each Local Authority has a different policy around smoking and foster care (this includes e-cigarettes and vaping). We can offer guidance on how to quit smoking if you like. As with all parts of our fostering process, it’s essentially about finding the right match between your family and the children in our care.

can I foster if I’m unemployed?

We understand that no job is secure and there are ups and downs with employment. Being a good foster parent means being available to offer support, guidance and love every day regardless of your employer.

If you don’t have a job, or if your work is under threat, you can still foster. We’ll work with you to make sure that it’s the right time for you to start fostering.

can I foster if I don’t have a big house?

If you’ve got a big heart you don’t need a big home. You don’t have to have a mansion or huge house to foster a child. What you do need is a spare room where a child can feel at home.