Lifting the lid on 10 fostering myths

Are you looking for a career move? Perhaps to a role that’s more than just a job? One that allows you to draw on all your skills to make a huge difference to the lives of children and young people?

If this sounds like you, fostering could well be a fantastic fit. But let’s examine some of the fostering myths that make some people think they’re unable to foster. How many of these have you assumed to be true?

I don’t own my own home, so I can’t foster.

You don’t need to own your own home to be a foster carer. You do, however, need to be living at a permanent address and have a spare bedroom. This could be a rented property provided you check with your landlord first before applying to be a foster carer.

I would really like to foster, but my sexuality will not allow it

At Blackpool Council we actively encourage applications from the LGBTQ+ community. Sexual orientation is not a deciding factor on whether you can become a foster carer. The important thing is that you’re able to meet the care needs of a child and provide them with a loving and stable home.

I am single, so I can’t be a foster carer

You do not need to be married or living with a partner to be a foster carer. We welcome single people interested in fostering. The important thing is that you have right skills and desire to care for children and young people. As a Blackpool Council foster carer, you’ll be part of an extended community of foster carers, be supported by an allocated social worker and have 24/7 access to our team. You’ll never feel alone.

I am retired and too old to foster

At Blackpool Council, we have a lower age limit of 21 but there is no upper age limit. If you’re in good mental and physical health, and have the right skills, energy and accommodation, there’s no reason your age should stop you. Your knowledge, warmth, and experience could really help to support a young person.

I’ve never had my own children and so I won’t be considered

You do not need to have had your own children to become a foster carer. Just because you have not experienced parenthood doesn’t mean you don’t have the skills required. Although, having experience of supporting children, either at work or voluntarily, is preferred.

Our foster carer training will prepare you for your first child and beyond. We have a personal development plan that means you are always supported in growing and developing your skills as a foster carer.

Your allocated social worker will also be available to you from the beginning of your assessment and throughout your time with Blackpool Council.

I don’t have the correct qualifications

You don’t need any qualifications to become a foster carer. However, you will be considered according to your experience of caring for children or young people and your commitment to their welfare.

I’ve only just moved to the UK, so I won’t qualify

If you’re able to evidence that you can live and work in the UK indefinitely, and have a good enough level of written and spoken English, you can apply to become a foster carer. The important thing is that you have some experience of caring for or working with children and can communicate clearly.

I am disabled so cannot care for a foster child

If your disability or medical condition is stable and doesn’t affect your ability to care for a child, you can foster. It’s important that fostering, however, does not put your own health at risk. There are also caring expectations that must be considered, such as being able to perform typical daily activities and attend meetings. Your disability cannot be a preventative factor.

I am unemployed and so I can’t foster

Most people will find themselves unemployed at some point in their life. This certainly doesn’t mean you cannot become a foster carer. Quite the opposite is true. Without any other work commitments, you have the availability to care for a child.

During the assessment process, being unemployed is not considered. However, your financial stability is. You can always call us beforehand though, on the number below, for an informal discussion.

I can only foster children of the same ethnicity as me

This is not true. We welcome foster carers of all ethnicities, from all walks of life. If you're a foster carer, the chances are you'll have the opportunity to care for a child whose race or culture is different from yours. The important thing is that you have the skills to care for a child or young person who needs a foster home.