Am I Too Old To Foster?

By Author: Horizon Fostering Services
Total Articles: 7
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How old do you have to be to foster in the UK? Are there any age requirements for foster carers? Find out the age requirements for fostering that will help you know if you are too old to foster.

What is the age requirement for fostering?
The UK has precise requirements for fostering. You must be at least 18 years old to become a foster carer. Most agencies, however, have set a minimum age for fostering at 21 years.

Is there an upper age limit?
The UK has no upper age limit on who can become a foster carer. Anyone over 21 years old can apply to be one.
So, you are still young to foster. You must know if you are eligible to become a foster parent. You can learn about the fostering eligibility criteria by reading the fostering requirements.
The data shows that most people who take on fostering are older. It also shows that you are never too old to foster.

Older foster carers
According to government statistics, people aged 50 and above are the majority in the foster care industry. In 2020, 65% of all foster carers were 50 or older. 25% of the foster carers were 60 years ...
... old or older.
The data shows that most people who take on fostering are older. It also shows that you are never too old to foster.

Why you should foster as an old person
Older people have more time on their hands than young people because they are retired and can spend time with foster children easily. Older people are also more settled in work and life, so they find it easy to focus on fostering duties.
If you are an older person who has raised children, you can use your experience to help a child or young person by becoming a foster carer. You can reminisce about the beautiful parenting days and provide a lifetime opportunity for a child or young person to excel.

Getting started
If you feel ready to help children and young people grow in a loving and caring family environment, why not join our team of older foster carers?
Don't hesitate to contact us today if you have any questions about fostering.

Becoming a Foster Carer is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do in your life. You’ll get to know children who need someone to be their someone to keep them safe and can make a huge difference in their lives by helping them come up with coping strategies for dealing with the issues that have caused them problems. Contact us to learn how to become a foster carer.

Horizon Fostering is one of the leading independent Ofsted-approved and registered fostering agencies in the UK. We are specialising in placing foster carers with children who need their support. Our services include assessment of suitability and capacity, initial training, ongoing support, information on local activities and events, and monthly visits from our community office team members. Visit our website for more details on our services at https://horizonfostering.co.uk/