You can't foster if you work - true or false?

With the first week of Foster Care Fortnight 2023 coming to an end,  Wirral Council is addressing some of the most common misunderstandings about becoming a foster carer. 

There are many myths about fostering, leading to many people ruling themselves out unnecessarily. In reality, almost anyone can apply to foster and there is no such thing as a typical foster carer. But they do have one thing in common: they care about the children they help.

Here are a few more common misconceptions we hear. To read more and address any concerns you have, visit the Wirral Council fostering website.

If you would like to have an informal chat with our fostering team - with no commitment - call 0151 666 4616 or email fosteringadmin@wirral.gov.uk. 

True or false? You can’t foster if you work.

It's false. But this will depend on the age and circumstance of the child or teenager you are fostering, the type of fostering placement and the hours you work as to whether you can combine the two.

True or false? You can’t foster if you are too young, or retired

It's false again. You must be over 21 to foster and there are no upper age limits for fostering. As long as you are fit, healthy and able to work with the needs of children, you are definitely able to foster.

True or false? You won't get any support

It's false. Our support doesn’t stop once you become a foster carer. You will be provided with support, training and an allowance to meet the needs of the child and a fee for yourself as a carer. Specialist support is also available for the young person’s educational, leisure and health needs. We have highly experienced staff who can answer any questions you may have. You can also be allocated a peer mentor; this is an experienced foster carer who knows what it is like to first start out on your fostering journey. 

If you have been thinking of becoming a foster carer and would like to apply, please visit the Wirral Council fostering website to apply online.