fostering
ARE THERE AGE RESTRICTIONS ON FOSTERING?
You have to be over 21 to foster, but there’s no upper age limit for fostering.
CAN YOU BE A FOSTER CARER IF YOU LIVE ON YOUR OWN?
Yes. We accept applications from single people or couples, regardless of their gender or sexuality.
DO YOU HAVE TO HAVE CHILDREN OF YOUR OWN?
No. We accept applications from people who have children of their own and from people who don’t have children of their own.
HOW OLD ARE THE CHILDREN WHO NEED A FOSTER CARER?
The children who need foster care are all ages. We need carers for babies right through to teenagers.
However, in line with local needs, at this time we will only progress applications from applicants who are in a position to provide care to children or siblings aged 7 years and over.
DO YOU NEED TO HAVE A SPARE BEDROOM?
Yes, each young person requires their own bedroom unless they are siblings and the room is large enough to accommodate both. Children under the age of 8 when assessed may be able to share a room.
DO YOU NEED TO OWN YOUR OWN HOME?
No. You don’t need to own your own home to foster. However, we will do mortgage or landlord checks.
CAN YOU FOSTER IF YOU LIVE IN A FLAT?
Yes. It doesn’t matter if you live in a flat or a house, as long as you have a spare room.
WHAT FAMILY TIME WOULD YOU HAVE WITH THE CHILD’S PARENTS?
The children you foster may need to have regular family time with their family and friends. This should take place in a safe, comfortable environment where everyone feels at ease.
CAN YOU GO ON HOLIDAY ABROAD IF YOU HAVE A FOSTER CHILD?
Yes. You can take a foster child on holiday, as long as we agree. For legal reasons, you’ll not be able to take some children out of the country. This would not prevent you from taking a holiday. We can arrange for respite carers to look after your foster child/children when you’re away, however wherever possible we would hope that a foster child could be part of holiday plans.
CAN YOU FOSTER IF YOU ARE WORKING?
Yes, we accept applications from people who are in full-time or part-time work, or who are unemployed. However, after becoming a foster carer, many people find that they are unable to continue working full-time because they feel they cannot fully meet the needs of the child they are caring for while balancing a demanding job. We will discuss these considerations in detail during your assessment process to ensure you are able to provide the appropriate level of care and support for the child.
DO YOU NEED TO EARN A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF MONEY TO BECOME A FOSTER CARER?
No. Your ability to become a foster carer does not depend on the amount of money you have.
WILL YOU GET PAID IF YOU HAVE NO FOSTER CHILDREN IN YOUR HOME?
Yes. We pay you a retainer fee.
WILL YOU HAVE TO PAY EXTRA TAX IF YOU RECEIVE MONEY FROM FOSTERING?
No. Foster carers in the UK do not pay tax on their income from fostering, up to a maximum of £18,140 per household. More detailed information can be found here.
CAN YOU FOSTER IF YOU SMOKE / VAPE / E-CIGARETTES?
Yes, but only if the children you foster are over five years of age and do not have a respiratory illness or other risk factors related to smoking households.
CAN YOU STILL FOSTER IF YOU HAVE A CRIMINAL RECORD?
We carry out criminal record checks when we’re assessing if you’re suitable to become a foster carer. Not all criminal convictions will prevent you from fostering. But we won’t consider you if you have a history of sexual offences or cruelty to children.
CAN YOU FOSTER IF YOU HAVE A DISABILITY OR LONG-TERM HEALTH PROBLEMS?
Yes. You must have a medical examination to prove you are fit enough to foster. However, not all illnesses will prevent us from considering you.
DO YOU NEED A CHILDCARE QUALIFICATION?
No. We provide all the training you need before you become a foster carer and when you are a foster carer.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME AN APPROVED FOSTER CARER?
The full process can take a little as 16 weeks.
WILL MY SPOUSE OR PARTNER NEED TO BE ASSESSED TOO?
Yes. If you’re living together, we’ll need to assess you both. You must also be able to show that you’ve had a well-established and stable relationship for at least three years.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FOSTERING THROUGH FALKIRK COUNCIL AND FOSTERING THROUGH OTHER FOSTER CARE PROVIDERS?
All the children in our care are from the Falkirk area. By fostering through us, you’ll be helping to keep children close to home, ensuring they remain in their local community. This means they can continue attending their own schools, maintaining relationships with family and friends, and staying connected to their familiar environment. The Closer to Home strategy is at the heart of our approach, as we believe that children thrive when they feel secure in their communities. Keeping children within their local area helps to reduce the trauma of separation and ensures they have access to the support networks they need, creating a more stable and positive experience during their time in foster care.
