who can foster in flintshire?
Just as no two children are the same, no two foster parents are – foster families come from all walks of life.
In your local community, there are children who need someone to listen to them and believe in them – someone they can always count on. Whether you’re a homeowner or a tenant, single or married, you could be that someone. The same goes for ethnicity and sexual orientation – these details play no part in whether you can foster a child.
In fact, we celebrate the diversity of our foster carers. We value experiences and know a wider skill set is a huge positive. It’s these things that matter most.
Keep reading to find out if fostering is for you.
foster myths: separating fact from fiction
Through fostering, you can make a real difference to children in Flintshire. Whether it’s an overnight stay or a long-term arrangement, fostering can have very different meanings. It needs different people too, which is why diversity is key – we need carers who have various backgrounds, experiences and stories.
We’re your dedicated expert base. We come together, along with your family, friends and community, to achieve the best for local children.
There are two things we ask when it comes down to who can foster: can you make a difference, and do you want to?
can I foster in flintshire if I work full time?
If you have a busy work life you can still become a foster carer, with a little extra thought. Fostering can fit into your life if you want it to. Juggling the school run and school holidays can work, just like in other families, with the support of people around you, including other local foster carers. Some foster carers who work full time can foster part time by offering short breaks.
Fostering needs commitment and a collaborative approach; you’ll work alongside social workers, teachers and therapists. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
can I be a foster carer if I live in rented accommodation?
Whether renting a property or paying a mortgage, you can foster. If you feel secure where you live, then a child would too. We can determine what works best for you depending on where you call home.
Look at it like this. Your spare room could be used for storage or a home office, but it could also be a secure and private space for a child – a safe place for someone who needs it.
can I foster if I have children of my own?
Every single foster family is different, just as every foster child is different. If you already have children, fostering will extend your family and bring more people into your home to love and look after.
Children can benefit from foster siblings too. It gives them insight, helps them to build friendships and develops their ability to care for others.
am I too old to foster?
There’s no upper age limit for foster carers. You can be in your 20s or in your 70s – people of any age can become a foster parent. We’ll ensure you get the specialist local support and training you need to prepare you for your fostering journey.
am I too young to foster?
There’s no lower age limit with fostering either. Being young doesn’t mean you can’t be part of the fostering family. With our guidance, you can embark on the fostering journey.
do couples who foster have to be married or in a civil partnership?
Your relationship status doesn’t determine whether you can foster. What’s important is what you can offer to a child; children need stability. Your local Foster Wales team will help you decide if now is the right time for you, irrespective of whether you’re single, married or in a civil partnership.
can I foster if I’m transgender?
Your gender doesn’t play a part in whether you’ll be a good foster parent. Above all, your personality, skills and caring nature are the fundamental factors.
can I foster if I’m gay?
Your sexual orientation doesn’t come into the equation when it comes to fostering. The main consideration is your commitment to offering a safe space for a child – being the person who listens and cares.
can I foster if I have a dog or cat?
If you have a dog, cat or any other pet, we will include them in your assessment. This doesn’t mean you won’t be able to foster; we’ll want to ensure your pet will get on with any future foster children.
Pets can provide another type of support to a foster child and be a real advantage in a foster family.
can I foster if I smoke?
If you smoke, you won’t be able to foster younger children but you can still be a foster parent. The policies around smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping, and foster care can vary from one Local Authority to another. However, it’s important to be honest from the off. If you are a smoker and want to quit, we’ll offer guidance on how to.
Our focus is to find the right match between your family and the children in our care.
can I foster if I’m unemployed?
When it comes to being a good foster parent, being available to offer support, guidance and love every day is what matters. If you’re currently out of work, this won’t stop you from becoming a foster carer. We’ll work with you to make sure if now is the right time for you.
can I foster if I don’t have a big house?
It doesn’t matter how big or small your house is. Every home is different, and that’s the way it should be. You don’t need a fancy house to become a foster carer, a spare room in a safe environment will provide a place for a child to call home.