At Lincolnshire Fostering, we welcome people from all backgrounds to become foster carers. What truly matters is your ability to provide a safe, supportive, and loving home for children in need.
If you’re unsure whether fostering is right for you, explore the following information to learn more.
Personal circumstances
Can I foster if I’m single?
Yes! You don’t need to be in a relationship to foster. Many wonderful foster carers are single. Having a supportive network of friends or family can be helpful.
Can I foster if I have a new partner?
Yes, having a new partner isn’t a problem. Just let us know about them, especially if they’ll be involved in caregiving. They may need to be assessed to ensure the child’s safety.
Can I foster if I’m over 60?
Yes, there’s no upper age limit for fostering. What’s important is your health, fitness, and ability to meet the needs of a fostered child.
Can I foster if I’m gay or transgender?
Absolutely! Your sexual orientation or gender identity does not affect your suitability to foster. What matters is your ability to provide a safe, loving, and stable home for a child.
Can I foster if I’m not a British citizen?
Yes. You don’t need British citizenship to foster, but most fostering services require full-time UK residency. If you are in the UK temporarily, we will consider the time and cost involved in your application. Children from diverse backgrounds need fostering, and foster carers reflect this diversity.
Can I foster if English isn’t my first language?
Yes. Many children in care do not speak English as their first language, so a family with the same language can be beneficial. However, you’ll need good spoken and written English to communicate with professionals, support education, and maintain records.
Can I foster if I practise a religion?
Yes. Your religion doesn’t affect your eligibility, but it’s important to support the child’s cultural or religious needs and be open to discussing different beliefs.
Can single men foster?
Yes, single men can foster. Your gender or relationship status doesn’t matter—what’s important is that you can provide a safe, caring home.
Can I foster if I’m under 21?
We prefer carers to be at least 21, but younger applicants will be considered if they can show sufficient life experience to meet a child’s needs.
Can I foster if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the nature of your convictions. Offences against children or sexual offences will disqualify you. Other convictions will be assessed as part of your application.
Can I foster if I don’t have children or experience with children?
Yes. You don’t need to have your own children to foster. Some experience caring for children, such as babysitting or youth work, is helpful but not mandatory.
Professional and financial circumstances
Can I foster if I work full-time?
Possibly. Part-time work is usually more suitable, especially for school-age children. Full-time work may be manageable depending on the child’s needs and your availability for training and meetings.
Can I foster if I don’t have a steady income?
Yes, but you need to show financial stability. Fostering allowances should supplement, not replace, your main income.
Can I foster if I’m on benefits?
Yes. Foster payments are generally disregarded when benefits are calculated, and many foster carers have little or no taxable income.
Can I foster if I’m in the armed forces?
Yes, but frequent relocations may affect your ability to provide stability. Respite or short-term fostering might be a better fit.
Living arrangements
Can I foster if I don’t have a big house?
Yes. You don’t need a large house however, if you are fostering a child over the age of 3 you will need a spare room. Your home should also be safe and suitable for a child.
Can I foster if I rent my home?
Yes, living in rented accommodation is fine. Stability is more important than home ownership.
Can I foster if I live with my parents?
Yes, living with parents doesn’t rule you out, but we will assess who the primary carer will be. Others involved in caregiving will also need to be approved.
Health and lifestyle
Can I foster if I have a chronic illness or disability?
Yes. Chronic illnesses or disabilities don’t disqualify you as we will assess your overall physical and psychological fitness to meet children’s needs.
Can I foster if I have mental health issues?
Yes. Your mental health will be considered as part of the medical assessment. A history of mental health challenges doesn’t automatically disqualify you.
Can I foster if I smoke or vape?
Yes, but smoking/vaping will mean that you can only foster children who are aged five and over.
Other considerations
Can I foster if I can’t drive?
Yes. Not driving isn’t a barrier, but you’ll need access to reliable public transport or access to a support network who can help you to meet the child’s needs.
Can I foster if I have pets?
Yes. Pets are often welcomed as part of family life, but their temperament and behaviour will be assessed during the application process.
Can I foster if I own a gun?
Yes, as long as your firearm is stored securely and you meet all legal requirements. This will be reviewed during your assessment.
Will fostering make a difference?
Absolutely. Fostered children often come from challenging backgrounds and need a safe, supportive home. Your care can have a life-changing impact.