Who can foster

Being able to like and value children who are going through a rough time in their lives is crucial to being a successful foster carer.

Foster carers come from all walks of life and all social backgrounds.

There is no upper or lower age limit for being a foster carer, although we would not usually approve anyone under the age of 21.

You don't need to:

• be married
• have a certain salary bracket
• be a super human

You do need:

• patience, warmth and understanding
• space in your house (a spare bedroom)

Our Frequently Asked Questions guide helps to explore a few of the myths around who can foster.

Foster carers can be retired, working or unemployed. Some already have a family, while other don’t have children of their own. They can be couples or single people. They can own a large, detached house or rent a two-bedroom flat.

All applicants and family members undergo statutory checks and assessments.

People who have been convicted of offences against children or violent crimes will be refused.

Are you already a foster carer?

We welcome foster carers who are already working with independent fostering agencies or other local authorities. 

We follow the Fostering Network’s ‘Transfer Protocol’, which means you could become a foster carer with Walsall Council in as little as four months. 

Contact us to discuss your individual situation.