The demand for new foster parents is serious, with estimates now predicting a child enters care every 15 minutes.
Our ‘criteria’ for new and transferring foster parents may differ from other providers- we don’t pretend fostering is easy and instead will tell you the reality.
It requires resilience, commitment and self-reflection. Understanding, empathy and a willingness to learn… The list is endless.
Our foster parents are held to extremely high standards. We expect them to do the same of us.
This being said, there is basic criteria set out by the government that all fostering providers must follow:
You must be aged 21 or over:
This is because those in care are up to the age of 18. Therefore, it wouldn’t be appropriate to place a child or young person in your care if you were of the same age.
Realistically to foster with evolve, we would be looking for foster parents to be over 25.
Please note there is no upper age limit for fostering.
You must have a spare bedroom:
The need for a spare bedroom is set out by the Fostering Services National Minimum Standards, for the child or young person’s safety, security and privacy.
Regardless of whether the child is in care or not, every child needs their own space. For looked after children it is also about providing a safe space where they are protected from potential harm or disruptive behaviours because of previous trauma.
Some looked after children have also experienced neglect, so ensuring they have their own space will help them adapt to their foster family and create a further sense of safety.
Right to work in the UK:
As with any professional role, you will need to be able to prove that you have the right to work in the UK before being considered to foster.
For more information about fostering with evolve, or to answer any questions you have, please call 01795 342425
