Do I need to own my home to start a foster care application?

Home ownership is not a separate eligibility condition for fostering. The assessment looks at whether your accommodation can support a stable, safe and suitable placement, rather than whether you own the property. Your housing situation will be considered alongside your circumstances, household, health, finances and ability to meet a child’s needs.

If you rent, the terms of your tenancy will be relevant. The fostering service may need to see evidence that fostering is allowed and that your landlord is aware of the arrangement. This is particularly important where your tenancy includes restrictions on the number of occupants, room use, pets or making changes to the property. Raise any restrictions at the beginning of the application so they can be considered before the assessment progresses.

As part of the assessment, a social worker will normally discuss your home and may visit it. They will consider practical matters such as:

• whether the accommodation is maintained to an appropriate standard;
• how the layout would work for the type of placement being considered;
• privacy for the child and other members of the household;
• any safety issues, including risks presented by stairs, balconies, ponds, pets or smoking;
• whether the household can provide a consistent environment; and
• whether any changes or adaptations are needed before a child comes to stay.

There is not one type of property that automatically qualifies someone to foster. Different homes may be suitable for different fostering arrangements, and requirements can depend on the child’s age, needs and the number of children being considered. A home that is suitable for one type of placement may need further consideration for another.

You should also explain any likely changes to your housing during the application. This could include a planned move, a new tenancy, a change in the people living at the address or alterations to the property. A move does not necessarily end an application, but the new accommodation may need to be assessed before approval or before a placement is made.

Everyone who lives in the household can be relevant to the assessment. Their views, routines and ability to manage the impact of fostering will be discussed, and other adults in the home may need to complete relevant checks. This helps the fostering service understand how a child would fit into the household and whether the arrangement would be sustainable.

It is sensible to gather your tenancy agreement or other housing documents early and check any conditions that could affect fostering. If you are unsure whether your accommodation is appropriate, do not assume that it rules you out. Discuss the details with the fostering service so the property can be considered against the needs of the children you may be assessed to care for.

Housing is one part of a wider assessment. You will also need to complete the required checks, take part in fostering preparation training and show how you would provide safe, consistent care. A decision about your application is based on the full assessment, not simply on whether you own your home.