who can foster

foster myths: separating fact from fiction

We actively encourage a diverse mix of foster carers to join our team at Foster Wales Wrexham, to share their own experiences and backgrounds with children in our community.

We know just how much a team effort is needed when it comes to nurturing and caring for a young person. That’s why we join forces with you and your support network to create the best working team possible.

Find out if you could foster with our FAQs:

can I foster if I work full time?

Yes, you’ll be able to foster if you work full time, it just means we’ll create a plan to help you. Being employed isn’t an obstacle when it comes to being an excellent foster parent, we’ll just need to give it some extra planning.

We know just how much of a commitment fostering is and that’s why we work as a close-knit team with you. We’ll keep you in touch regularly with our wider support networks such as therapists, teachers and social workers.

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

Absolutely. It doesn’t matter if you rent your home or own it, if you’ve got a spare room and can offer the support, love and growth a young person needs you’d be the perfect foster parent.

If you feel secure and nurtured in your home, so could a young person.

can I foster if I have children of my own?

Foster families come in all shapes and sizes. Having your own family and children doesn’t hold you back from being a foster carer at all, it simply means you’re ready to extend your own family.

Our own experience has shown us that having foster siblings is a fantastic way to form friendships and builds on empathy for all children involved.

am I too old to foster?

As there is no upper age limit, you’re never too old to be a foster carer. Provided you are fairly healthy and mobile, you can be of any age and capable of providing a young person the safety they need to continue their journey to a brighter future.

am I too young to foster?

From the age of 21 upwards, you can foster. Whilst we know life experience is valuable, it’s not necessary. Provided you have the support you need from your family and close friends, you’ll be a fantastic addition to our team. We’ll support you at every step with all the training and guidance you need.

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

You can be a foster parent regardless of your relationship status- so whether you’re single, married or in a partnership, you could be the perfect match for someone.

can I foster if I’m transgender?

Absolutely, again it’s your personality and skills we’re looking for. Nothing else. Gender has no influence whatsoever on whether you’ll be a great foster carer.

can I foster if I’m gay?

Yes, you can be in any kind of relationship and offer the commitment, love and security that’s needed when you become a foster carer. Our team doesn’t consider sexual orientation at all when you apply.

can I foster if I have a dog or cat?

Here at Foster Wales Wrexham we know just how important pets are to families and they’re a real benefit to foster children too. You can have any number of pets and still be an excellent foster parent, all we ask is that you let us know you have pets when you apply. We’ll make sure your pets and the foster children get on well.

can I foster if I smoke?

Every local authority has different policies around smoking, the only thing we at Foster Wales Wrexham ask is that you tell us. We’ll make a note in your file and can even offer you guidance if you’re ready to quit. Our main focus is finding the right match for you.

can I foster if I’m unemployed?

Whether you’re unemployed or work part time, you can definitely be a foster parent. Your employment status doesn’t have any weight on whether you’ll be an excellent foster carer. Our team will work with you whatever your situation and make sure fostering is the right move for you.

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

It doesn’t matter how big your house is, you can be a foster parent in whatever home you’re comfortable and secure in, all we ask is you have a spare bedroom. Just as every family is different, so is the home they live in.