Who can foster
Find out about who can foster, and what you do and don't need
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.
