who can foster

foster myths: separating fact from fiction

No matter who you are, fostering is an opportunity to make a real difference to children in your local community. It means different things – from overnight stays to something longer-term. It needs different people too. That’s why we need diverse carers with different backgrounds, experiences and stories.

We’re here for you when you need us. Along with your family, friends and community, we all pull together to achieve the best possible outcomes for children in Carmarthenshire.

When it comes to the ‘who’, we ask two things: can you make a difference, and do you want to?

can I foster in carmarthenshire if I work full time?

If you work full time, you might need extra support from family and friends. Working full time will not prevent you from being able to foster, but it will need extra thought. Perhaps you can offer short breaks for children around your work schedule. There is a solution for everyone.

Contrary to what you might think, fostering needs a team approach. You’ll work alongside social workers, teachers and therapists, and we’re always on hand to support you. You’re never alone with Foster Wales Carmarthenshire.

can I be a foster carer if I live in rented accommodation?

Absolutely. The main thing is that your home is secure – if you feel stable, a child could too. Whether you own the property or rent has no bearing on your ability to become a foster carer.

If you have a spare room, why not consider providing a safe space for a child who needs it? You could provide a place for a child to call home.

can I foster if I have children of my own?

Of course, you can extend your family through fostering! Children can truly benefit from having foster siblings – it gives them insight, helps them to form bonds with other children and develops their ability to care for others too.

am I too old to foster?

There’s no upper age limit. We’ll provide everything you need to set you up for your journey into fostering, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All we ask is that you are reasonably fit and healthy.

am I too young to foster?

There’s no lower age limit either. While life experience goes a long way, being young doesn’t mean you can’t foster. We’ll guide you throughout your journey into fostering, regardless of your age.

do couples who foster have to be married or in a civil partnership?

Your relationship status isn’t a factor, so it makes no difference whether you’re single, married or in a civil partnership. What is considered is stability. If you’re able to offer this, then you could foster. The local team here in Carmarthenshire will help you decide if now is the right time for you.

can I foster if I’m transgender?

Yes – your gender doesn’t determine whether you’ll make a good foster carer. Your personality and skills are what matters.

can I foster if I’m gay?

Yes, you can. A child needs someone who can offer a safe space, who can listen and care for them. Sexual orientation doesn’t come into the equation.

can I foster if I have a dog or cat?

We’ll include your pets in your assessment to ensure that they get on well with any future foster children.

Having a dog or cat doesn’t mean you can’t foster. In fact, pets offer another level of support and can be a benefit in a foster family.

can I foster if I smoke?

There are different policies when it comes to smoking and foster care, depending on each Local Authority, however it’s important to be honest from the start. If you’d like to quit, we’re here to offer guidance and support. As always, our focus is to find the right match between you and the children in our care.

can I foster if I’m unemployed?

We appreciate that everyone has ups and downs with employment at some point, so being unemployed right now won’t stop you from becoming a foster carer. We’ll work with you to make sure the timing is right for you.

can I foster if I don’t have a big house?

A big house is not a requirement. All we ask is a spare room in a house that is safe and secure. A place where a child can feel loved and at home.