Dispelling myths – count yourself in to fostering

People are being urged to ‘count themselves in’ to provide a safe and supportive home for Derbyshire children and young people.

Derbyshire County Council – part of Foster for East Midlands Councils – is aiming to dispel common myths that might stop people from considering becoming foster carers.

Anyone can foster with people from all walks of life, from different backgrounds, life experiences and family situations able to provide supportive homes when children need it most.

Cabinet Member for Children and Families Councillor Sam Redfern said: “We need more families to provide a safe, secure home for a child or young person going through a very difficult time in their life to provide stability and love when they need it most.

“So if you’ve ever thought about fostering but thought you might not be suitable, we aim to dispel the myths so you can count yourself in!”

Here are some of the common myths:
Myth 1: I smoke or vape, so I can’t foster.
Smokers and vapers can foster. There are some restrictions particularly for children under five, parent-and-child placements, or children with respiratory conditions, but smoking is not an automatic barrier. Each situation is assessed individually.

Myth 2: I have pets, so I’ll be ruled out.
Most pets are compatible with fostering. Only banned dog breeds are prohibited. Other pets are assessed for temperament and safety and can even be a comforting presence for children who may have experienced trauma or instability.

Myth 3: I’m single so I won’t be accepted.
Relationship status is not a barrier. Many successful foster carers are single. What matters is providing a safe, nurturing, and consistent home.

Myth 4: You must own your home.
Owning your home is not required. You can foster if you rent, live in social housing or are part of a housing association subject to permissions and a stable tenancy.

Myth 5: I have a disability so I can’t foster.
Most disabilities do not prevent fostering. The key is whether you can meet a child’s needs with appropriate support.

Myth 6: I’m too old to foster.
There is no upper age limit. You just need to be over 21 and physically able to care for a child. Many carers begin later in life, bringing valuable experience, patience, and resilience.

Myth 7: A criminal record means automatic rejection.
Minor or historic convictions do not automatically stop someone from fostering. Each application is carefully assessed, with safeguarding as the priority.

Myth 8: You must drive to foster.
Driving is not required. What matters is having reliable transport for school, health appointments and family time.

Myth 9: I work full-time, so I can’t foster.
Being employed does not rule you out. The fostering team will work with you to find an arrangement that fits your life and meets the needs of the child. Flexible fostering options exist to support carers with jobs.

Myth 10: Because of my sexuality or gender, I can’t foster.
Sexuality and gender are not barriers. What matters most is your ability to meet a child’s needs and provide care, stability, and support.

Myth 11: If I have my own children, I can only foster children younger than them.
If you have children of your own, they will always be carefully considered as part of the matching process but you are not automatically limited to fostering younger children. Every family situation is different. Your children will be involved in the process in an age-appropriate way, and the fostering team will work with you to ensure any placement is right for everyone in your household.

Myth 12: I don’t have a spare bedroom.
Ideally, you will have a bedroom for the sole use of a foster child. However, for babies aged 0–2 years, and especially for children under 1, they would be expected to sleep in the carer’s bedroom. The key consideration is that your home has appropriate and safe space to meet a child’s needs.
Foster for East Midlands Councils is a partnership between councils which aims to place children with carers so they can remain in their local community, near family and friends. It also provides training and on-going support.

To find out more visit: fosterforeastmidlands.