who can foster

foster myths: separating fact from fiction

Some stories you may have heard about fostering don’t ring true. Until you experience the wonderful journey, you can’t imagine the rewards it brings.

Whoever you are, fostering creates an opportunity to make a significant difference to your life – and to the lives of children in Torfaen.

Fostering is varied. From short overnight stays to something longer. Fostering needs a varied mix of people as well. This is precisely why we welcome and need diverse carers who have different backgrounds, experiences and stories.

Think of us as your dedicated expert base. Because that is exactly what we are. Together, we can achieve the best for children.

To be a foster parent, we ask two main questions – can you make a difference? And, do you want to make a difference? Only you can answer.

can I foster if I work full time?

You may be wondering if fostering is right for you if you have a busy work life. This may mean you need some additional support from your family and friends when you become a foster parent, but it doesn’t prevent you from starting your journey.

Don’t think of your job as a barrier. Many foster carers work, and with a little extra consideration, you can do the same.

You can fit fostering into your life. With the different types of fostering, one may suit you better. Some foster carers foster full time, while others work full time but only foster part-time with short breaks. We make sure we find the right fit for you.

Fostering is a commitment that needs a team. You will not be alone. You will work alongside the right combination of social workers, teachers, therapists and experts. We will always be at your side to support you.

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

If you feel secure where you live, it doesn’t matter if you rent or own your property outright. If you feel safe and love where you live, so could a foster child. We will work together to work out what is best for you depending on your home.

At the end of the day, a spare room in your home can become a safe space for someone who needs it.

can I foster if I have children of my own?

No two foster families are the same. And no faster child is either. Having children of your own can be hugely beneficial when fostering a child. Fostering can be rewarding for you, the foster child and your own children. Having foster siblings can give a child insight. It can build lifelong friendships and help build an ability to care for others.

am I too old to foster?

There is no age limit to foster a child. As an older foster carer, perhaps in your 60s or 70s, your life experience is invaluable. No matter your age, you’ll get expert local support and training to help you on your journey ahead.

am I too young to foster?

If you’re an adult, you are not too young to foster. While life experience is a great bonus, being young isn’t a barrier to fostering. Whether you’re in your 20s or in a later stage of life, you can enjoy the exciting path ahead of you with our network of dedicated support.

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

No, there are no special requirements around relationships. You can be single, married or in a civil partnership.

Children need a safe home. They need stability. If you can offer this, then you can foster.

Foster Wales Torfaen will work together with you, and your partner, to find out if now is the right time to foster.

can I foster if I’m transgender?

Being transgender has no bearing on whether you can foster or not. It’s your personality, skills and caring nature that counts.

can I foster if I’m gay?

Yes – because your sexual orientation isn’t a factor when it comes to whether you will make a good foster parent. The most important thing is your commitment to a child. Your commitment to being the one who listens and cares. The person who offers a safe and loving space in which a child can grow.

can I foster if I have a dog or cat?

If you have a dog, a cat or any other kind of pet this doesn’t mean that you can’t become a foster parent. Instead, we actually include your pets in your assessment. We need to get to know them, as members of your family, and make sure they and any future foster children will get on safely together.

After all, you can experience another level of support from pets and they can be a real benefit to foster children.

can I foster if I smoke?

Fostering policies vary throughout Wales, but what is true everywhere is that you should be open and honest about whether you smoke in the application process. It won’t necessarily stop you from becoming a foster carer, it just sometimes needs some extra consideration.

We can offer guidance to help you quit smoking, if requested. We just want to find the right match between your family and the children in our care.

can I foster if I’m unemployed?

A good foster parent offers love, support, and guidance every day. We know the possible ups and downs of employment. So, if you’re currently out of work, this won’t stop you from entering the fostering world.

We’ll work with you to make sure now is the right time for you.

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

Each foster home is unique. You don’t need a big house to foster a child. All you need is a spare room where they can feel safe and at home.