who can foster

foster myths: separating fact from fiction

A core part of fostering is sharing experience and knowledge, both from foster carer to child, but also from our experts here at Foster Wales Monmouthshire to our carers.

Along with friends, family, school and the local community, our team are always on hand as your dedicated expert base to answer any questions and provide support and training where required.

can I foster if I work full time?

Like biological parents or family guardians, some foster carers work full time. Having a flexible work schedule is a necessary requirement, and a busy career may mean some additional thought and support from family and friends is needed.

Some foster parents who work full time decide to offer short breaks on weekends or holidays, others long-term placements supported by family members.

Fostering is a commitment and comes first, so it needs a team approach. Beyond family, we will help to provide a support unit of social workers, therapists and teachers so advice and guidance is available at every step of the journey.

If you want to know more, read out blog post “Can I work and be a foster carer?”

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

Owning a home is not essential, but a feeling of security is. So, whether you rent or pay a mortgage, if you have the space to offer a child a loving and stable home, you will be considered.

can I foster if I have children of my own?

We believe, if you have children of your own, then you likely have the knowledge and experience to extend your family and take care of a foster child.

Having other children around can also help form friendships, foster the ability to care and support others, and work as a team.

However, having a family is not essential. Childless adults are also able to foster in Monmouthshire.

am I too old to foster?

Whether you’re in your 20s or your 70s, if you would like to foster a child in Monmouthshire, you will be considered.

There is no upper age limit on fostering, and support and training is provided for all.

am I too young to foster?

Provided you are an adult and have the ability to provide a child with a reliable support system, you can foster.

Life experience is a great bonus, but is not a necessity. All foster carers are offered individual training and levels of support.

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

Whether you’re married, single, divorced or widowed, you can become a foster carer in Monmouthshire.

There are no specific relationship requirements, just the need for support and stability.

Single foster carers who work full-time may require help from friends and family, but can also foster.

can I foster if I’m transgender?

However you identify, yes, you can.

Sex and gender have no influence on your ability to foster. It’s your personality, your skills and your caring nature that are most important.

can I foster if I’m gay?

Your sexual orientation is not a factor when assessing a person’s ability to foster and all LGBTQ+ people are welcome to apply.

can I foster if I have a dog or cat?

Growing up around pets can be a rewarding experience for a child, but some do have allergies, so your pets will be included in your assessment to ensure they and any future foster children will get on.

can I foster if I smoke?

Local Authorities have different policies around smoking (including e-cigarettes and vaping) and foster care, the most important thing is being honest. We’ll offer guidance on how to quit if you’d like to. In every case, it’s about finding the right match between your family and the children in our care.

can I foster if I’m unemployed?

Whether employed, self-employed or unemployed, your job status won’t stop you from becoming a foster carer.

If you can provide support, guidance, love and security, we can work with you to review all the important aspects of fostering a child and to make sure it is the right time for you.

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

You don’t need a massive house to foster a child, you just need a spare room where they can feel at home. From two bedroom flats to five bedroom houses, all foster homes in Monmouthshire are different.