What Disqualifies You From Being a Foster Parent in the UK

If you’re new to foster care and considering applying, you may be wondering if any criteria disqualifies you from being a foster parent in the UK. The good news is that most people are eligible to foster. There are very few factors that actually disqualify you from fostering should you wish to take the journey!

Becoming a foster parent is an amazing thing to do. You shouldn’t let worries or concerns about not being right for the role prevent you from taking the first step and approaching an independent fostering agency, like Family Fostering Partners!

Who Can Foster?

Foster carers come from all different walks of life, bearing different experiences and backgrounds. Each carer brings a unique skill set and personality to the table. This allows them to show joy and love to the foster child in need best suited to them. An individual from any background, heritage, gender identity, and religion can foster. It doesn’t matter about your sexual preferences, marital status, or any other defining feature that makes up your identity. No aspect of your personal identity disqualifies you from becoming a foster parent in the UK. We believe that diversity makes everyone stronger and the unique things about everyone should be celebrated!

Understanding What Disqualifies You from Fostering: The Must-Haves

To understand what disqualifies you from being a foster parent, it's important to be aware of the essential requirements for fostering. These criteria are non-negotiable and must be met before you can proceed with your application. First and foremost, you must be aged over 21. Additionally, you must be a full-time resident of the UK or have leave to remain. Lastly, having a spare bedroom in your home is a prerequisite. Failure to meet any of these requirements will disqualify you from beginning your fostering application. For a more detailed explanation of the fostering criteria, please refer to our blog post on foster care requirements.

What Stops You from Fostering in the UK: The Importance of a Spare Bedroom

We often receive inquiries about the spare bedroom rule and its significance in determining what stops you from fostering in the UK. A spare bedroom, as per this rule, is a room in your home outfitted with essential furniture, such as a bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers, and adequate space for personal belongings. This bedroom must not be shared with anyone else, including your own children.

The ownership status of your house, whether owned or rented, is irrelevant as long as there is a spare room available for a foster child to call their own. This requirement is crucial in providing the foster child with a sense of personal space and privacy. Not meeting this requirement is a factor that can disqualify you from fostering.

Can I Foster if I Have a Criminal Record?

Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualifies you from becoming a foster parent. If you have a genuine interest in becoming a carer, it’s always best to contact an agency, like ourselves, and speak with a professional fostering advisor who will be able to offer you tailored advice.

You will not be considered for fostering if your caution or conviction is related to violence against children or a sexual offence. This is important as safeguarding children is always a number one priority for foster care agencies. This rule applies if either you or your partner has a conviction as everyone within the household will be assessed as part of the application.

For other types of offences that may impact what disqualifies you from fostering, your individual circumstances will always be considered. Therefore, it’s best to be open, upfront, and honest about your background so that your advisor can provide you with the most appropriate support and guidance.

Can I Foster if I have Pets?

Pets are a fantastic addition to any household and bring plenty of love and joy to families. Usually, it is no problem to foster if you have pets. Your pets will be considered as part of your home assessment during your application and there are usually no issues. However, we do not allow applications from anyone who owns a pet from the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 and the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991/1997. For more information, please read our dedicated blog post on fostering with pets.

What Health Conditions Stop You from Fostering?

No health condition will automatically disqualify you from fostering in the UK, as long as you are fit and healthy enough to care for a child full time. Your health condition or disability must not impair your ability to provide daily nurture to a foster child, which is a key factor in determining what disqualifies you from becoming a foster parent. This requirement applies regardless of whether you have a physical health condition or a mental health condition.

As part of your application process, you will undergo a medical check. Your ability to handle the challenging nature of the role will be assessed. Individual circumstances are always taken into account. You will have the opportunity to discuss everything openly with your supervising social worker.

What changes in circumstance can disqualify you from being a foster parent during the application process?

If you’re currently in the assessment process or applying to become a foster parent, it’s important to be aware that certain changes in your personal circumstances could affect your eligibility to foster. While many factors are taken into account when assessing your suitability to foster, any significant change in your situation during the application process could delay or disqualify your application, and you should be open and honest with your assessing social worker at all times. Here are some changes in circumstance that can disqualify or delay you from becoming a foster parent…

1. Significant Health Changes: During the assessment process, if your health significantly changes—for example, if you experience a serious illness, injury, or a mental health challenge—it could affect your ability to care for a child. You’ll be asked to undergo a medical check as part of the assessment process, and any major health concerns could delay or disqualify your from being a foster parent. However, every situation is evaluated individually, so it’s essential to communicate openly with your assessing social worker.
2. Living Arrangements: One of the core requirements for fostering is having a spare bedroom for a child. If your living situation changes during the application process—such as unexpectedly moving house or additional family members moving in—it could mean you are no longer able to foster at this time, and your application may need to be placed on hold.
3. Changes in Financial Stability: Although fostering comes with financial support such as our Be There to Care scheme, it’s important that your household is financially stable. If there is a significant change in your financial situation, such as a job loss, reduction in income or an unexpected debt, you should communicate this with your assessing social worker.
4. Relationship Changes: If there are changes in your relationship status—such as a separation, divorce, or a new partner moving in—this could delay your application. Relationship changes are not an automatic disqualifier, but you should communicate this with your assessing social worker as soon as possible.
5. Legal Issues or Criminal Convictions: If any new legal issues arise during your application process, it’s crucial to disclose this immediately. Any new criminal convictions or cautions could disqualify you from fostering. DBS and background checks are a standard part of the application process, and honesty about your legal history is critical.
6. Changes in Commitment or Motivation: Fostering requires a strong commitment and emotional readiness to care for a child. If, during the assessment process, your ability to commit changes—whether due to personal reasons or external pressures—it’s important to let us know. Your readiness to foster will be discussed throughout your assessment, so it’s key to stay transparent if your situation shifts.

Throughout your fostering application process, any major changes in your life should be communicated with your supervising social worker. They can provide guidance on how these changes might impact your application and work with you to explore your options. At Family Fostering Partners, we’re here to support you every step of the way, and we encourage you to reach out if you have any concerns about a change in your circumstances during the application process.

Understanding What Disqualifies You from Becoming a Foster Parent: Don’t Let Worries Stop You, Contact Us Today!

Overall, if you have a strong desire to become a foster parent and help make a huge difference to young people’s lives in your area, what’s stopping you? Any worries or concerns about your suitability to foster can be discussed confidentially with professional fostering specialists at Family Fostering Partners. You can get in touch by visiting our Contact Us page, by phoning 0330 0948816 or by emailing info@familyfosteringpartners.co.uk.