When it comes to fostering, many potential foster carers rule themselves out before even making an enquiry and this is often based on incorrect information. At Foster Birmingham, we want to set the record straight. Fostering is for a wide and diverse range of people, and your unique background could be exactly what a child needs.
Here are some of the most common fostering myths we hear and the truths behind them:
1. I don’t own a home, so I can’t foster.
Owning your own home isn’t a requirement for fostering. Whether renting privately or through the council all you will need to do is get the correct permission from your landlord to foster. What truly matters is your ability to offer a safe, loving home for children and young people.
2. I’m unemployed / work full-time / retired, so I can’t foster.
Fostering is flexible so whether you are employed, unemployed, self-employed or retired you can foster. If you are unemployed fostering can become a fulfilling role and if you are working, we will help you explore which type of fostering might be best suited for you, for example, Support Foster Carers. We understand fostering can be a big commitment, so we offer a competitive financial package to help and support you on your journey.
3. I’m single, so I can’t foster.
Your relationship status does not affect your ability to foster. You don’t need to be married or in a relationship to provide a stable, loving home. What matters most is that you can offer your time, care and consistency for a child or young person. You will also have support from your social workers and professionals throughout your fostering career.
4. I can’t drive, so I can’t foster
You don’t have to drive to be a foster carer. Whilst having a car can be helpful, it’s not necessarily essential, especially if you live near good public transport or have family and friends around you who can support travel when needed. We will also work with you to make sure the child or young person’s needs are met.
5. I have a disability or health condition, so I can’t foster.
Having a disability or health condition doesn’t automatically disqualify you. We focus on your strengths not just your health, so foster placements are carefully matched to suit your abilities. What matters most is being able to provide stability for a child or young person.
6. I’m LGBTQ+, so I can’t foster
Your sexual orientation does not impact your ability to foster, and you will be supported throughout your fostering journey. If you can offer love, support and stability for children and young people, then you can foster!
7. I have birth children, so I can’t foster.
Many foster carers have their own children, and it can be a positive experience for everyone in the household. Knowing the impact of fostering on your birth children and how your family unit will need to adapt is important for a positive fostering journey. We also offer a Sons and Daughters Group and it’s a brilliant opportunity to meet other children who are also part of a fostering family. They meet up during the school holidays to do fun activities, share experiences, and offer support to one another.
8. My children have left home / I’m too old to foster.
There is no upper age limit, and your life experience including raising your own children can be a huge asset. In fact, many people find that once their children have grown up and left home, they still have the time, space and emotional capacity to support a child or young person. Your experience can make a big difference.
9. I don’t have my own children, so I don’t have the experience.
Not having your own children doesn’t disqualify you. We have foster carers who do not have children of their own. You might have experience in other ways such as through work or spending time and caring for family members or friends’ children.
10. I’m from the Global Majority, so won’t be able to foster children of other ethnicities.
Whilst we try to match children with foster carers who will best meet their needs, including culture and identity, we ask all foster carers to be open to caring for children and young people of all ethnicities, not only those who share their own.
You won’t be expected to do this alone; your supervising social worker will provide you with the right guidance and support to help meet the child or young person’s needs with confidence.
You Could Be the Person a Child Needs
If you’ve ever wondered about fostering but thought it wasn’t for you, we urge you to think again. Your background, your story, and your personal experiences could be exactly what a child or young person needs to feel supported and safe. Fostering isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being present.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a foster carer, call our friendly team today on 0121 303 7575, or enquire online.
