Have you ever thought about fostering, but immediately assumed, “I probably wouldn’t qualify”?

You’re not alone. Many people rule themselves out before even having a conversation. That’s why Foster for East Midlands Councils wants to help you separate myth from fact and show how your local council will support you every step of the way.

This guide is for you, if you’ve ever searched for:

Who can become a foster carer?

There isn’t a single “type” of foster carer. People from all walks of life, with different backgrounds, experiences, and family situations, provide loving, supportive homes.

Here are some common myths and the truth your local council wants you to know:

Myth 1: “I smoke or vape, so I can’t foster.”

Smokers and vapers can foster. There are some restrictions particularly for children under five, parent-and-child placements, or children with respiratory conditions, but smoking is not an automatic barrier. Each situation is assessed individually.

Myth 2: “I have pets, so I’ll be ruled out.”

Most pets are compatible with fostering. Only banned dog breeds are prohibited. Other pets are assessed for temperament and safety and can even be a comforting presence for children who may have experienced trauma or instability.

Myth 3: “I’m single I won’t be accepted.”

You absolutely can foster if you are single. Relationship status is not a barrier. Many successful foster carers are single. What matters is providing a safe, nurturing, and consistent home.

Myth 4: “You must own your home.”

Owning your home is not required. You can foster if you rent, live in social housing, or are part of a housing association subject to permissions and a stable tenancy. What matters most is suitable space, including a spare bedroom.

Myth 5: “I have a disability, so I won’t meet the criteria.”

Most disabilities do not prevent fostering. The key is whether you can meet a child’s needs with appropriate support. The fostering team recognises the strengths you bring, rather than making assumptions.

Myth 6: “I’m too old to foster.”

There is no upper age limit. You just need to be over 21 and physically able to care for a child. Many carers begin later in life, bringing valuable experience, patience, and resilience.

Myth 7: “A criminal record means automatic rejection.”

Not necessarily. Minor or historic convictions do not automatically stop someone from fostering. Each application is carefully assessed, with safeguarding as the priority.

Myth 8: “You must drive to foster.”

Driving is not required. What matters is having reliable transport for school, health appointments, and family time. In urban areas, public transport may be enough.

Myth 9: “I work full-time, so I can’t foster.”

Being employed does not rule you out. The fostering team will work with you to find an arrangement that fits your life and meets the needs of the child. Flexible fostering options exist to support carers with jobs.

Myth 10: “Because of my sexuality or gender, I can’t foster.”

Sexuality and gender are not barriers. Whether you are LGBTQ+, heterosexual, male, female, or non-binary, what matters most is your ability to meet a child’s needs and provide care, stability, and support.

Myth 11: “If I have my own children, I can only foster children younger than them.”

If you have children of your own, they will always be carefully considered as part of the matching process but you are not automatically limited to fostering younger children. Every family situation is different. Your children will be involved in the process in an age-appropriate way, and the fostering team will work with you to ensure any placement is right for everyone in your household.

Myth 12: “If I don’t have a spare bedroom, I can’t foster.”

Ideally, you will have a bedroom for the sole use of a foster child. However, for babies aged 0–2 years, and especially for children under 1, they would be expected to sleep in the carer’s bedroom. The key consideration is that your home has appropriate and safe space to meet a child’s needs.

What really matters

Fostering isn’t about ticking boxes — it’s about:

  • Patience and empathy
  • A willingness to learn
  • Stability and commitment
  • Providing a safe and supportive home

Your local council provides full training and ongoing support throughout your fostering journey, so you’re never alone.

Why foster for your local council?

Local children need foster carers across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire. Staying close to their schools, friends, and communities makes a real difference. By fostering locally, you could change a child’s life right in your community.

Take the first step

Reach out to the recruitment team at Foster for East Midlands Councils. The friendly team is ready to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and help you count yourself in, not out.

Fostering isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being there for a child when they need you most.