Common myths about fostering
Myth: I won’t be allowed to foster because of my health condition or disability
Fact: Having a health condition or disability won’t stop you from becoming one of our foster carers.All we need to know is that you have the necessary fitness and stamina to take care of a child or young person.. We will work with you to discover which type of fostering would work best with your needs.
Myth: I’d love to foster, but I don’t want to give up work
Fact: Working won’t stand in the way of becoming a foster carer for us – though it might restrict the types of children you can foster. Young children and children with complex needs will need more full-time care.If you are part of a couple, you would only need one foster parent to look after the child or children whilst the other would be able to work. Alternatively, you could foster older children of school age. Many families combine work with fostering and our team would be happy to talk to you about the different options available for working families.
Myth: I won’t be allowed to foster because I am retired or too old
Fact: As long as you can provide a safe, stable and loving home and have the energy needed to take care of a child or young person, we would love to hear from you!
Our team would be more than happy to discuss how your needs can be accommodated – why not come along to see us or give us a call?
Myth: I really want to foster but I wouldn't be able to afford to
Fact: We are not interested in how well off you are.Our main focus is whether you have the patience, energy and compassion to become one of our amazing foster carers! To recognise the hard work and costs that come with caring for a child, we offer top rates of fostering allowances and a professional foster carers’ fee.
Myth: Only people who own their own homes can foster
Fact: This is wrong.Both home owners and renters are able to foster Bromley children, including both private and social housing tenants. All that we require is that you have a stable tenancy.
Myth: I won’t be allowed to foster because I have my own children/have never had children
Fact: Having your own children, whether living at home or not, is not a barrier to fostering for us. Plenty of our foster carers have their own children living at home and if you do too, all we need to know is that they are happy to have a foster child join the family and that you have a spare room. Our team will make sure to include them in the process, taking their needs into account as well. It is also not a problem if you don’t have any children, as long as you have had some experience of looking after children or young people, and you have the time, energy and care to give to a foster child.
Myth: Fostering is only for straight couples
Fact: This is wrong. We welcome foster carers who are both couples and single people. We also don’t discriminate against foster carers on the grounds of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability or religion. We have a diverse range of children needing care and we need a diverse group of carers to meet their needs.
Myth: I wouldn't be able to foster because I've had some difficult life experiences in the past
Fact: Our team understand that many people have been through difficult past experiences and recognise that this can be a real positive and make you a stronger foster carer.
We will be on hand to talk to you about the demands of being a foster carer and make sure that you are in the right place to take that step towards making a positive change in a child’s life.
Myth: Fostering is only really suitable for people who have lots of free time
Fact: There are many types of foster care, which means that we can work around other commitments and find the best way for you to become one of our amazing foster carers.
Why not take a look at the many different types of foster care that are available or come along to see us to find out about how we can work with your individual needs or time limitations.
Let's talk
Complete our contact form to discover all there is to know about becoming a foster parent. We’ll give you a call, when’s it’s convenient for you, answer your questions, and go from there. Or if you’re free now, why not give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you.