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Myths about independent Fostering Agencies

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It’s easy for us to give you all the reasons as to why you should foster with independent fostering agencies because we’re so passionate about what we do. We often hear people talking along the lines of ‘We would love to foster… but’ and hear a reason as to why they think they’re not suitable. So we’ve decided to debunk some of the common myths we hear about fostering and give you the actual truth.

 You have to be young to foster

At Fostering Dimensions, we like to think that if you think you can do it, you probably can. We have a list you have to be able to tick to see if you are eligible to foster, however, age isn’t one of them. Independent fostering agencies like us love to see different people of all ages start the fostering process. Of course, this comes with a few rules to make sure we’re placing foster children in the best homes possibles. If you’re over 21 and meet the criteria, then we’d love to hear from you. The most important thing is that you have time and are committed to caring for your fostering children.

You need a big house to foster

Naturally, your foster children should be treated the same as your other children. However, it is important for children and young adults coming into your home to have a space they call their own, so when fostering, they will need to have a spare bedroom. Sometimes, if foster children are entering the system with a sibling, they can share a room but not with other children in the household. This doesn’t mean you have to have a big house with several spare bedrooms.

You have to be married or living together to foster

This a common misconception we see a lot. Independent fostering agencies like Fostering Dimensions would hate for you to feel like you couldn’t foster because you’re a single applicant. We have single foster carers who are in the system at the moment and it doesn’t stop there. We have foster carers who are living with partners, married, straight and from the LGBT Community. You may benefit from having a supportive network around you of family and friends, but there’s nothing to say you can’t do it if you’re single. We have a support network available at Fostering Dimensions that means you’re never truly alone on your fostering journey with us.

Men can’t foster

This one sounds almost as if it weren’t true but it’s crazy how this myth even exists. Men most definitely foster and your gender does not stipulate whether you make a good foster carer or not. The most common interest for any foster carer is that you care about your foster children and their safety is your utmost importance.

You have to own your home to foster

You do not need your own home to become a foster carer. As long as your accommodation is safe and secure, with a spare room for a child or young person it does not matter what type of accommodation you live in. We have foster carers in the system from homeowners to renting. All you need to do is be able to care for your foster children and as long as you have all of the permissions needed to do so, your fostering journey can begin today.

If you’re interested in joining our fostering community and dealing with independent fostering agencies who care like us, make an enquiry today.