Learn how we are safely recruiting carers through Coronavirus. Home » About Fostering » Who Can Foster a Child UK? Who Can Foster a Child UK? Many people wrongly believe that they wouldn't be able to foster. What do I need to foster In reality, the basic criteria for fostering in the UK is generally that you are: At least 21 years old Have a spare bedroom Have permanent leave to remain in the UK From there, your local Compass team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about fostering. You can read about what could disqualify you from fostering, but take a look below at the common reasons people think they can’t foster, when they absolutely could! Dispelling Common Myths Many people would love to become foster carers but believe wrongly that they wouldn’t be accepted. Eligibility to foster is actually pretty simple, but here are some of the most common reasons we hear for why people (wrongly) think they cannot foster. “I would foster but…” “I’m too old” Legally there is no upper age limit for fostering. Fostering does require a lot of energy, but providing you are fit and healthy there’s no reason you couldn’t do it. Older carers also often bring invaluable experience to the role. “I’m LGBT” Sexuality has no bearing on a person’s ability to be a foster carer. Whatever your sexuality, you just need to be able to offer the warmth, care and stability needed for children and young people. Read about some of our award winning LGBT carers. “I’m a single male” Both women and men make great foster carers, so being a single male won’t prevent you from fostering. Many of our foster carers are men and they often bring something unique, such as offering a positive male role model for both male and female children. “I can’t afford to” Whilst fostering is an incredibly selfless thing to do, it isn’t a charity. At Compass Fostering we pay our carers a generous allowance which takes into account the number and nature of children in your care. Find a detailed breakdown of the payments here. You can also learn about whether it’s possible to foster and work full time or part time here. “I haven’t had my own children” Having your own children can give you valuable experience for fostering but it is by no means essential. Our Skills to Foster training that you will undertake during assessment will give you lots of the skills required to be a foster carer. Compass Fostering always want to bring out the potential in our applicant foster carers rather than look for areas to rule people out. Our carers come from a variety of backgrounds and have different life experiences; offering their own unique qualities and skills to look after young people. If you think you meet our criteria for fostering and can offer a safe and stable home for a child that needs one, please get in touch with us. We are happy to take you through any queries you may have about foster care. Related Posts... How Long Does it Take to Become a Foster Carer? If you’re thinking about becoming a foster parent, there are a few things you will need to know before starting this process; however, do not… How to Encourage your Child to Read for Pleasure Significantly less children are reading for pleasure; The National Literacy Trust has found. In 2019, just over half of 8 to 18 year-olds said that… Get your digital brochure First Name* Last Name* Phone Number* Email Address* House Number or Name* Postcode* I am interested in fostering as* A couple An individual I’ve got a spare room (required) I accept the privacy policy (see footer) Connect with us Call us 0800 566 8317 About Compass FAQs Infocentre Apply Now Jobs Privacy Policy Modern Slavery Statement Sustainability Commitment FosterTrack 360 Partners Compass Fostering is a trading name for Compass Fostering London Ltd, Company No:03292070, Compass Fostering Wales Ltd Company No:05956931, Compass Fostering South Ltd, Company No:08374139, Compass Fostering North Ltd, Company No: 07054121, Compass Fostering Central Ltd, Company No:04331256. All registered in England and Wales. Registered Office: 3 Rayns Way, Syston, Leicester, LE7 1PF Copyright: Compass Community Limited 2021.