Quiz: Can I foster?

Quiz: Are You Ready to Foster?

Fostering a child can be a life-changing experience, but it's important to be fully prepared. This Foster Carer eligibility quiz will help you understand the basic requirements and responsibilities involved in fostering. Answer the questions to find out if fostering is right for you!

1

Age Requirement

Are you 21 years of age or older?

Yes No

Great! Foster Carers must be 21 or older. There’s no maximum age limit—as long as you’re physically healthy, energetic, and fully committed to caring for children, you can foster.

Unfortunately, the minimum age requirement to foster is 21. However, being interested in fostering from a young age could make you an excellent future Foster Carer.

If you would still like to foster when you turn 21, please get back in touch, and we will be happy to hear from you.

In the meantime, please sign up to our Fans of Fostering newsletter to learn more about foster care.

Join Our Newsletter

In the meantime, please sign up to our Fans of Fostering newsletter to learn more about foster care.

2

Living Situation

Do you have a spare bedroom to accommodate a child?

Yes No

Do you have a safe, stable home environment?

Yes No

Do you have the right to reside in the UK?

Yes No

Great! A stable home environment with a separate bedroom for a foster child will help them to feel a sense of belonging, safety and permanence.

A safe environment and a private room are vital for a child’s sense of belonging, safety and permanence. This is a standard requirement for all Foster Carers across the UK, regardless of who you choose to foster with.

You may not be eligible to foster right now, however that doesn’t mean you won’t make an excellent Foster Carer in future. If your circumstances change, please get in touch and we will be happy to hear from you.

Fostering is a significant and ongoing responsibility that requires stability and legal permission to live and work in the country. If your circumstances change and you gain the right to reside in the UK, please get back in touch, and we will be happy to hear from you.

In the meantime, please sign up to our Fans of Fostering newsletter to learn more about foster care.

Join Our Newsletter

In the meantime, please sign up to our Fans of Fostering newsletter to learn more about foster care.

3

Financial Stability

Will you be financially dependent on fostering (i.e. your household has no other income streams)?

Yes No

Foster Carers receive financial support, and in most cases, this will be tax-free. Most Carers find the pay generous enough that they do not need to work alongside fostering.

It is important to know that Foster Carers receive financial support, and in most cases, this will be tax-free. Many Carers find that Foster Carer pay is generous enough that they do not need to work alongside fostering.

It’s worth noting that income from fostering isn’t always consistent. Between fostering one child and the next, there may a gap where fostering allowances are not paid.

In situations like this, many Foster Carers find their additional income stream helpful.

4

Legal Background

Do you have a clear background check with no serious criminal offences?

Yes No

Great! To foster, you must pass a thorough background check, which includes a criminal record check.

To foster, you must pass a thorough background check, which includes a criminal record check. Serious criminal offences will typically disqualify someone from fostering. This requirement is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of children.

Some minor offences, particularly those committed a long time ago, may not automatically disqualify someone. If you have any questions about your eligibility, please contact our Enquiry Team.

5

Health and Well-Being

Do you have the energy and emotional resilience to care for a child?

Yes No

Great! It is important that you can meet the physical demands of daily care. The emotional capacity to manage stress and model positive behaviour is also crucial.

It is important that you can meet the daily demands of care, manage stress effectively, and model positive behaviours. If you would like to find out more about this before enquiring to foster, give us a call on 0333 0603 962, or book your call below.

Book a call

6

Time and Commitment

Do you have the time to care for a child, including attending appointments, school events, foster carer training, supervision meetings, and other child-related activities?

Yes No

Great! You must have the time and flexibility to foster. This means being there for your child, day or night, whenever they need you. You must also attend training, supervision, and other meetings related to your child.

There are lots of different kinds of fostering and some types might fit around your lifestyle more easily than others.

If you would like to find out more about time commitments before enquiring to foster, give us a call on 0333 0603 962, or book your call below.

Book a call

7

Collaboration

Are you willing to work with social workers, biological families, and other professionals involved in the foster care system?

Yes No

Great! Foster Carers are child care experts working with a team of professionals, so it is important to be able to collaborate with others.

Foster Carers must be willing to work alongside other professionals and attend meetings with biological families. If you would like to find out more about this before enquiring to foster, give us a call on 0333 0603 962, or book your call below.

Book a call

8

Training and Development

Are you willing to complete the required Foster Carer training and assessments (which typically involves classes and home visits)?

Yes No

Great! Foster Carers are child care professionals, and as such, they have to complete the proper training.

Foster Carers must be willing to undergo training and assessments. Much of the training can take place online. If you would like to find out more about this before enquiring to foster, give us a call on 0333 0603 962, or book your call below.

Book a call

9

Experience with Children

Do you have previous experience caring for children (either your own, as a babysitter, or in a professional role)?

Yes No

Great! Experience with children equips Foster Carers with the confidence to handle a variety of situations, from daily routines to helping children cope with difficult emotions.

Although previous childcare experience may be helpful, this isn’t a requirement to foster. We will provide all the training and support you need. What matters most is compassion, patience, and dedication to make a positive difference in a child’s life.