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Find out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about foster caring.

What do foster carers do?

Apart from looking after children on a day-to-day basis and meeting their many needs, foster carers come into contact with and work alongside other people who play an important part in the life of a child.

Most important among these is the child’s family. Foster carers have a vital role to play in helping people keep in contact. Others would include social workers, teachers, doctors and health visitors and occasionally members of the legal profession.

Don’t panic – foster carers work as part of a team and help is always available to support you with these important areas.

What qualities would I need?

It may sound silly, but foster carers will need to like children and keep liking them despite what may happen. Foster carers need to be patient, understanding, tolerant, flexible, open-minded, energetic, have a sense of humour and be prepared to stick with it.

We recognise this list can be demanding, so we offer regular training and support groups to aid your role.

What can I expect?

Foster carers give generously of their time and effort, yet may feel they are getting little back. Carers may not see the benefit of their hard work for a long time as each child will develop, adjust and progress at their own pace. However experienced carers will look back and see the real difference they have made to the lives of children and young people.

From Barking and Dagenham you will receive support, supervision, training, guidance, nurturing and professional recognition too. We have received two inspections from Ofsted (in 2008 and 2011) and each time we were judged an ‘outstanding service.’

Do I need to be married to become a foster carer?

No, you do not need to be married or living with someone. However, you might want to give some thought about the support network you have. Who could you turn to for practical support?

Will my sexuality affect me becoming a foster carer?

Not at all! If you can support, love and care for a foster child then we would love to hear from you.

I'm disabled, can I still become a foster carer?

Absolutely! If you can support, love and care for a foster child then we would love to hear from you.

What if I don’t live in a house?

It does not matter if you live in a house or flat as long as the property is in your name and you have the facilities you need to look after a child or young person. We like to make sure a child or young person has their own bedroom wherever possible. Children and young people need a safe and caring environment to grow up in, and teenagers in particular need their own space. However babies up to the age of three can stay in your room in their own bed.

What if I haven’t got children myself?

We need different carers for different children. Sometimes not having other children in the placement will benefit the foster child.

What about my age?

For most foster carers it is important they have had some life experience and so we generally prefer them to be at least 25 although we will consider each application on its own merits.

Can I foster and still work?

We require one carer per household to be available at all times and not in work for all types of foster care except short break foster care.

What if I have a criminal record?

Having a criminal record does not mean you cannot become a foster carer. If you have a past or current conviction, you must discuss it with the social worker who visits you, before you decide to go ahead with your full assessment.