Who can foster?

We need a wide range of people to become foster carers so please do not rule yourself out before talking to us.

• Foster carers are usually aged between 25 and 60 - though some continue forstering for longer than this.

• You will need enough space for another child in your home. Usually this means a spare room. Though we do consider younger children of the same age and sex sharing a room. Babies can sleep in your room.

• You will need enough time to share with a child. So you will have to consider how your work and other commitments will fit in with fostering.

   

• If you can’t foster full-time because of work or other obligations, have you considered the Short Breaks Family Link Scheme?

• You can be married, an unmarried couple, or single. 

• You will need experience of looking after children.

   

• You can belong to any religion or have no religion.

• You can live in a flat or house that you own or rent anywhere in or near Leicester and Leicestershire.

• Lesbian and gay people can foster.

• You don't need any qualifications, but you will need patience, commitment and a sense of humour.

• Health - You need to be fit enough to foster – physically and mentally. We pay for a check-up with your doctor before approval.

• Smoking - if anyone in your house smokes you will not be able to foster children under 5 years. For children older than this, you must agree to smoke well away from them.

• Fertility Treatment - if you are having fertility treatment, it is usually suggested that you wait until your treatment is completed before considering fostering.

• Criminal offences. Minor convictions for criminal offences in your past need not prevent you fostering. But it is important to discuss anything like this with us right from the start.

• The fostering panel cannot approve anyone with cautions or convictions for violence or sexual offences.

• Pets - most pets are fine for most children. But pets that may be considered dangerous or which are not properly controlled may affect your approval as a foster carer.

• You have to be happy to foster within our guidelines which includes our NO SMACKING policy.

Find out more by by ringing 0116 299 5800 or send us an online enquiry form.

Or you can download an application form here and post it back to us Fostering Application Form (PDF File)