At Orange Grove, we're not here to judge; we are here to protect and promote the welfare and well-being of children in care by providing nurturing homes for them to thrive. That's why some circumstances could disqualify you from fostering.
So, we want to be transparent by highlighting any potential barriers you could face during the application process.
Reasons for Fostering Rejection
There aren’t many requirements to be a foster parent, and you don’t need any qualifications to foster because you’ll receive training, but you must:
- Be over 21 years of age.
- Have a spare bedroom.
- Have the legal right to live and work in the UK.
- Be passionate about improving the lives of children in care.
Unfortunately, if you don't meet these requirements, you won't be able to foster, but if your circumstances change, you could join us in the future.
Although we assess applications on a case-by-case basis, there are some further reasons for fostering rejection that are universal.
Can you foster with a criminal record?
If you have a criminal record, fostering is still a possibility. You must disclose any criminal history on your application and will undergo a DBS check. We review each application individually, assessing the severity of a criminal conviction and when it occurred.
Many children in care have experienced abuse and neglect. We want all children in care to have a safe home free from harm. So, to mitigate risk to children, if you have committed a serious crime, such as crimes of a violent or sexual nature and crimes against children, you will automatically be disqualified from fostering.
At Orange Grove, we understand that no one is perfect and often, people make choices they regret, especially in early adulthood or after a difficult childhood. So, if you have a minor conviction, we will work with you to understand why it happened and consider when it happened before making a decision.
More food for thought...
Can you foster if your own child was removed from your care?
If you have had a child removed from your care or undergone childcare proceedings, you must declare this in your application. We design our applications and assessments to ensure that children in care will be safe and loved, living in a home that poses no further risk. We will review your application and use information from the local authority to understand your case and determine whether you are suitable to foster.
Can you foster if you have a history of addiction?
A history of addiction does not automatically disqualify you from fostering. If you have received treatment and been sober for good enough amount of time, you could still foster. If, however, you have only just begun your recovery or aren’t receiving treatment, you won’t be able to foster until you are well, and we are confident your home is safe for children.
If you are struggling with addiction, it can severely impair your ability to meet the needs of children. Not only that, some children and young people may have been placed into care due to alcohol and drug addiction in their homes. We strive to provide children in care with happier childhoods, enabling them to thrive by ensuring they have nurturing homes free of substance misuse.
Can you foster if you’re in debt?
Steady finances are crucial to providing children with stable homes that meet their needs. This is one of the reasons why, at Orange Grove, we make sure finances aren’t a burden by rewarding you with a generous fostering allowance. You can still claim your pension if you foster and may be eligible for some state benefits, such as universal credit.
However, if you are in severe debt and keeping up with payments makes general living costs impossible to meet, you could be disqualified from fostering. We must ensure you can provide the children you care for with essentials such as food, clothing and personal hygiene items. You may also need to pay for activities and hobbies that support their development.
It could severely impact both your well-being and that of the children you care for if finances are strained, but fostering could still be a possibility once your finances have stabilised.
Can you foster if you have pets?
Yes, we welcome foster parents who have pets. Pets can be a comfort and a friend to children in care and have various benefits, such as reducing allergies and supporting children with disabilities.
During the application process, we'll assess and meet your pets to determine their suitability to be around children. If you have a banned dog breed, you will be disqualified from fostering unless you relinquish the dog due to the risks these dogs pose to the whole family.
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 lists the following breeds as banned under breed-specific legislation:
- Pitbull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasiliero
- XL Bully
Can you foster if your health has deteriorated?
Our fostering family is inclusive of foster parents with mental health conditions and disabilities. During the assessment phase of your application, you'll visit your GP to ensure you're fit to foster and that fostering won't negatively impact your well-being.
If your health has recently deteriorated, you need to consider whether fostering is appropriate for you at this time. Fostering, although rewarding, isn't without its challenges, so you need to be physically and mentally well enough to keep up with its demands. We will use the information you provide alongside that of your GP to decide if you are medically well enough to foster.
If you aren't well enough right now, this doesn't mean you can't reconsider fostering when your health is back on track.
Can you foster if you work full-time?
Working and fostering is possible, but it depends on the flexibility offered by your employer, the hours you work and your personal circumstances.
When you foster a child, you'll be responsible for taking them to meetings, school, support groups and contact with their family. You'll also need to be available to undergo training and be at home with them during the school holidays or if they are off sick from school.
If you foster as a couple, you may be able to continue your work if you can share the responsibilities of fostering. If you are a single foster parent, it might be difficult for you to work full-time while also meeting the needs of the child in your care. However, it may be possible if you have a close family member or friend who will provide regular support to you and any young people in your care. You may be able to work part-time if the job is flexible and understanding of your situation.
If you’re concerned about whether you’ll be able to work and foster, we always advise you speak with one of our fostering advisors. We’ll be able to understand your circumstances and advise whether we can make it work for a young person in your care.
Can you foster if your house is small?
When you foster, not only must you have an appropriate spare bedroom, but your house must have enough living space for everyone in the family to live comfortably.
An appropriate spare bedroom is a room solely used by children you foster. It must have, a door that closes, a radiator, a window that allows plenty of natural light, a bed, and ample space for storage. You could be disqualified from fostering if your spare bedroom is too small, usually used by a child who is at university and returns home for holidays, or has been made spare by moving two of your own children into one room.
The purpose of a spare bedroom is to give children and young people experiencing the upheaval of moving to a new home a sanctuary they can call their own.
Again, if you don’t have adequate living space for an additional family member, it could make day-to-day living more challenging. This could create tension, so your house must have enough communal areas for everyone to live in harmony.
If you want to become a foster parent but are concerned that you may be disqualified from fostering, please get in touch. We understand everyone has unique circumstances, and our friendly, non-judgmental team is ready to answer your questions and offer advice.
