Breadcrumb Trail
Common questions
Do I have to be married?
No. Foster carers can be single; married couples or couples living together in either heterosexual or same sex relationships. If you are in a partnership we do expect both of you to be present when we visit and both of you would be involved in the assessment process and attend the training.
Do I have to have children of my own?
No. But you do need to enjoy being with children and have an understanding of their development and needs. Fostering is a job for the whole family so if you do have children of your own they would also be involved in the assessment process.
Can I foster if I am unemployed?
Yes. You just need to have the time and space to make a difference in children and young people's lives.
Can I foster if I work full-time?
Yes. We need foster carers for older teenagers who could be placed with families who work full-time. Also, our home from home scheme needs foster carers who can offer planned short breaks to children with disabilities and their families.
Am I too old to foster?
In Trafford we do not have an upper age limit for our foster carers, your life experience is viewed positively. You do need to be relatively fit and healthy in order to meet the needs of children in a safe way.
What if I have a criminal record?
Having a criminal record does not automatically prevent you from becoming a foster carer. Much depends on the seriousness of the offence, how long ago the offence was committed and how you have lived your life since that time. We would ask that you discuss any criminal convictions or cautions with the Family Placement Team at your initial visit.
What to do next?
If you are interested in finding out more about being a foster carer and think you can help us make a difference, please complete an online expression of interest form or contact our family placement team using the details below.
Who to contact
Family Placement Team
Northenden Road Resources Centre
71a Northenden Road
Sale
Cheshire
M33 2DG
Email: fostering@trafford.gov.uk
Telephone: 0161 912 5050
Fax: 0161 969 2036
This page was last reviewed on 16 December 2009
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