Can I apply to become a foster carer if I have health conditions?

A health condition does not by itself rule out fostering. The important question is whether, with appropriate support and any reasonable adjustments, you can meet the needs of a child or young person reliably and safely. Each application is considered individually rather than judged solely on a diagnosis, disability, medication or past medical history.

The health assessment usually looks at the practical impact of your condition, including:

• your current level of physical and emotional wellbeing;
• how your condition is managed and whether it is stable;
• the effect of symptoms, treatment or medication on your daily routine;
• whether you can respond to a child’s needs, including during stressful or unpredictable situations;
• any appointments, periods of absence or likely changes in your health; and
• how your health may affect the type of fostering placement that would be appropriate.

This can apply to a wide range of circumstances, including long-term physical conditions, mobility difficulties, sensory impairments, mental health conditions, neurodivergence and conditions that require regular treatment. Having received counselling, taking prescribed medication or having a previous period of poor mental health is not necessarily a barrier. The assessment focuses on your present circumstances, your ability to manage your health and the likely effect on fostering.

Some fostering tasks can be physically demanding. Depending on the child’s age and needs, you may need to supervise activities, attend meetings and appointments, manage everyday routines and respond to behaviour that can be challenging. You do not need to be in perfect health, but you should be able to organise care consistently and have a realistic plan for managing any limitations.

As part of the process, you will normally be asked to give consent for relevant medical information to be obtained from your GP or another appropriate professional. Be open about diagnoses, treatment, medication, previous difficulties and any support you already use. Withholding information can make the assessment more difficult; providing a clear account allows the fostering service to consider the full picture and identify suitable support.

A medical adviser may review the information and, where necessary, ask for clarification or recommend further evidence. This does not mean that every applicant will receive the same outcome. The advice may identify conditions that need monitoring, adjustments to the assessment process or limits on the age or needs of children considered for placement.

Adjustments may be relevant where a disability or health condition affects how you take part in meetings, training or interviews. Examples could include allowing additional time, using an accessible venue or taking account of communication needs. Any adjustment must still allow the fostering service to assess whether the child’s needs can be met.

If you live with a partner or other adults, their health may also be discussed where it could affect the household or the care available to a child. The assessment considers the wider home environment, including who can provide support if you become unwell and how disruptions would be managed. A strong support network can be helpful, but it does not replace the need for you to be able to undertake the fostering role yourself.

Health circumstances can change after approval. Foster carers are expected to keep the fostering service informed about significant changes so that the right advice and support can be considered. A new diagnosis or period of ill health does not automatically mean fostering must end, but it may require a review of the arrangements and the child’s needs.

If you are unsure whether your health could affect an application, discuss it with the fostering team before deciding not to proceed. They can explain what information is needed and how the assessment will consider your individual circumstances. The final decision is based on the complete assessment, with the child’s welfare as the central consideration.