Applying to become a foster parent is a big step. So you need to consider whether it is right for you before you start. There are no barriers that relate to your sexual orientation, or marital status. Or whether you own or rent your own home. But you do need to meet some requirements before fostering. Here are the things you should think about before deciding if it is the right process for you.
Your Health Foster Parent
You will need to be fit and well enough to foster a child, especially if you are asked to provide a home for a younger child. You may need to find some energy you never knew you had. This can be a lot of fun, but you will need to consider it. Whether you are physically well enough to take on the challenge and whether this is likely to change in the foreseeable future.
Your Finances
You don’t need to be rich to foster a child. But you must have enough financial stability to provide them with a home. Otherwise, you risk placing a vulnerable child in another difficult situation. You will be compensated for taking in a foster child but there may be times. When you don’t have anyone living with you and therefore don’t receive this money.
If you have poor credit or are an undischarged bankrupt, your foster care application could be turned down. However, there are ways to improve your finances and your credit record over time to make sure that you are eventually accepted to become foster parents without any need for concern.
Your Home
Although you don’t need to be a homeowner if you want to foster a child, you must live in a home that is suitable for a foster child. You will need to have a spare bedroom to offer them and enough living space for the whole family, including any foster children to enjoy. It doesn’t matter whether you own a two-bedroomed flat. Or a stately home if you have enough space for another person.
Your Experience with Foster Parent
You do not have to be a parent to foster another child. But it is a good idea to know what you are getting yourself involved in. If you have taken care of younger siblings or extended family, you probably have some valuable experience that you can use in fostering. However, if you have never been involved with children before then getting some experience such as voluntary work before you apply will give you a good insight into what being around children will be like. It will also help your application to be looked at more favorably.
Fostering is something that you should not enter into lightly so consider your decision carefully before you apply.