To be a foster carer for Brent Council there are a few initial requirements you must meet.
You need to:
- be at least 21 years old
- have indefinite leave to remain in the UK
- have available living space – space for a cot in a bedroom for babies 0-2 years old, or a spare room for older children
- live in Brent or a neighbouring borough
- be financially stable
- be flexible
- have a good support network.
Foster carers must pass a thorough assessment but can come from all walks of life. What’s most important is your motivation to foster, commitment and personality.
Giving a child a loving and stable home is both rewarding and challenging.
Learn more about what it is like to foster from some of our foster carers. You can also book a place for one of our information evenings and read more about the different types of fostering.
To foster you can be:
- single, married, or in a relationship
- LGBT+
- a parent with your own children
- a homeowner or live in a rented property
- working, as long as your job allows you to be available for the needs of the child such as school runs or doctor’s appointments.
You will need to enjoy the company of children, be positive and resilient, and be able to look beyond a child’s actions to understand their behaviour. You will also need to be able to work as part of a team – this could include our fostering team, the child’s birth family, and other people in the child’s life.
