Why You Don’t Need to Be Perfect to Become a Foster Carer

When people think about fostering, they sometimes believe they have to be ‘perfect’, perfect parents, with perfect homes, perfect families, and perfect lives. But at Family Fostering Partners, we want to reassure you that fostering is about being real, not perfect. Children requiring foster care need safe, stable, and loving homes. They don’t need you to have all the answers, just the willingness to care, learn, and be there for them. In this blog, we’ll explore what really matters when you want to become a foster carer, what might prevent someone from fostering, and the training and support you’ll receive along the way.

What qualities do you need for fostering?

There are some key qualities that make a great foster parent:

• Patience and understanding – Many children requiring foster care have experienced instability, so they need time to build trust.
• Empathy and kindness – Being able to listen and show compassion is vital.
• Flexibility – Every fostering journey is different, so being adaptable helps you support a child’s changing needs.
• Commitment – A stable, consistent environment is crucial for a child’s wellbeing.
• A sense of humour – Laughter and joy can make a huge difference, even during challenging moments.

You don’t need to be a parent already, own your home, or have a “traditional” family setup. Foster parents come from all walks of life, and what truly matters is your willingness to make a positive difference.

Hear from Nat, who tells us about her journey to become a foster carer. 

What can stop you from becoming a foster carer?

While most people can foster, there are a few factors that might prevent you from becoming a foster carer. These usually include:

• Criminal convictions relating to children or vulnerable adults.
• Unsuitable accommodation: all foster parents must have a spare room – even if they hope to foster babies. 
• Significant health issues that would make fostering unsafe for you or a child.

However, many things people assume are barriers are not. For example:

• You can be single, married, in a partnership, or divorced.
• You don’t need to own your home.
• You don’t need to have children of your own or have ever parented before.
• You can foster if you work, as long as you have time to meet the needs of a child.

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, it’s always worth getting in touch for an informal friendly chat. 

Training and support to become a foster carer

One of the biggest myths about fostering is that you need to have all the skills from day one. When you decide to become a foster carer with Family Fostering Partners, you’ll receive comprehensive training and ongoing support to help you throughout every step of your fostering journey.

At Family Fostering Partners, we provide:

• Pre-approval training to prepare you for fostering and help you understand fostering requirements. 

• Regular workshops and courses to develop your skills further.
• 24/7 support, so you’re never alone when challenges arise.
• Peer support groups, where you can connect with other foster carers who understand what you’re going through.
• A designated link worker who will guide and support you throughout your fostering journey.
• Free membership to Foster Talk who provide free legal, medical and financial advice, as well as access to training, support and exclusive discounts. 

You won’t be expected to know everything before you start. What matters is your willingness to learn, grow, and give a child the chance of a brighter future.

Thinking about fostering? Let’s talk.

You don’t need to be perfect to foster, you just need to care. If you’re ready to find out more about how to become a foster carer, we’d love to hear from you. Our friendly team are here to answer your questions and help you take the first step toward making an incredible difference in a child’s life. Contact Family Fostering Partners to start your fostering journey.