Foster Care Myths – Breaking Down the Facts

Fusion Fostering wants to bust the top 10 most common myths surrounding foster care and fostering in the UK. If you genuinely want to foster, don’t let common fears or myths stop you! You may be completely eligible to foster but have heard inaccuracies surrounding foster care that make you unsure or doubtful. Our blog post is here to settle those niggling worries and let you know that, if you want to foster, you should absolutely enquire! 

We often hear people say, “I’d love to foster but…”

I don’t have any skills or experience

You do not need to have any specific training, skills, experience or qualifications to become a foster carer, so please don’t feel that you don’t meet the job requirements if you aren’t already a childcare professional! Similarly, not being a parent yourself and having experience of parenthood in no way bars you from being a foster parent. Full training is provided for you as well as 24-hour support. We simply ask that all new carers have a fondness for children and a desire to help others. For specific information about the requirements for being a foster carer, please view our webpage here. 

I’m gay or a member of the LGBTQ+ community

Being gay, queer or transgender doesn’t disqualify you from becoming a carer. We actively encourage applications from single gay people as well as gay couples and families. Whilst we care about your personality, your home space and your dedication to the role, your sexual orientation in no way impacts your ability to care for a child – which is the most important thing! 

I can’t afford to

You do not need to be well off to look after foster children. Many people believe that fostering is a charitable thing to do but we recognise that logistically, it is a career and therefore you deserve to be paid. All of our carers receive payments that will cover the complete care of the foster child placed with them including money for clothes, food, pocket money and recreational activities. We also pay a reward allowance in recognition of all our carers’ hard work. Find out more about how much we pay foster carers here. 

I have strong religious beliefs 

Your religious beliefs will not affect your application to be a foster carer and we respect people from a variety of different cultures and backgrounds. If possible, we would try to place children who have the same religious upbringing into your care. This can help them to feel at home and to learn more about their culture. This, however, may not always be possible and we ask that foster parents respect the beliefs of their foster children, even if that differs from their own personal views. As a foster parent you may need to have some level of flexibility to ensure you are able to meet the need of the placed child

I already have children 

It’s fantastic that you already have some parenting experience, this could be really useful when it comes to fostering. Having your own children does not stop you from fostering as long as you have a spare bedroom and enough space in your home for a foster child. When you choose to foster, your whole family will be part of the process and therefore we will always be sure to consider how any placements will affect your child and make sure they will be a good fit for you and your family. 

I’m single

You do not need to be married, or even in a relationship to foster. We understand that families come in all different shapes and sizes and we welcome applications from single people who are looking to be part of our wonderful team!  

I’m a single man 

Being a foster parent is not a gender-specific role so, of course, we welcome applications from single men. If you have patience, love and are willing to dedicate time to fostering then we’d love to hear from you. Plus, when you foster with Fusion Fostering, you will never be alone – you are part of our family! 

I’m disabled

Having a disability does not disqualify you from fostering. All prospective carers go through the same assessment process which will ensure that they are healthy and fit enough to provide good care to a child. If you feel that you will be able to provide a high standard of care and keep a foster child safe, secure and happy, then please apply! 

I don’t own my own home 

You do not need to be a homeowner to foster. All we ask is that you have a spare bedroom for the foster child to stay in and can provide a safe and comfortable home environment for the child. 

I’m retired 

There is no upper age limit for foster parents. As many people grow old and their children have long flown the nest, they often find that they have newfound time in their life and want to devote that time to helping others. Foster care is a fantastic way to do this. Anyone over the age of 21 is welcome to apply and will be assessed equally. 

We hope from reading the above most commonly believed myths you will realise that if you have an interest in fostering, you should absolutely pursue it! Don’t be held back because you think you may not be right for the role, speak to a professional at Fusion Fostering and get some helpful advice. Contact us today on 03301 239355 or email info@fusionfostering.com.