What We Look for from You!
Just as children who need foster families come in all shapes and sizes, with different backgrounds and experiences so do the people that care for them. We need families from all walks of life. We need both single people and couples, families with children and without. All of them need to value the children and young people for who they and what they are. It is important that you avoid discrimination based on issues such as race, gender, religion, sexual orientation or disability. The use of corporal punishment to physically chastise children is totally unacceptable.
- Angus carer
We will expect you to be between the ages 21 and 60, be of good health and medically fit. If you drink alcohol, we need to know that you drink moderately and responsibly. You can not be a foster carer if you use illegal drugs or have a record of offences against children. You must also declare if you have any firearms or hold a Firearms Certificate.
Angus Council does not accept applications to foster from people who keep dangerous pets such as rotweillers or pit bull terriers. We may need to seek further advice if you own a pet that we think might pose a risk to children.
We will not accept an application from someone who is pregnant, has a child under the age of 12 months or is actively engaged in fertility treatment.
There is good evidence that passive smoking can damage the health of children. We do not place children under the age of 2 with carers who smoke. All foster carers are regularly reviewed. If you smoke this will be discussed at your review and we will expect you to refrain from smoking in communal areas that are used by children.
We don't usually accept applications from people who have lost a loved one in the last two years, or entered a new relationship, or recently experienced the break-up of a relationship. It's important that you have the emotional resilience (stability) to cope with the challenge of caring for children.
We accept applications from single people and from couples who are married or living together for over two years. If you are an unmarried couple, only one of you can apply to foster. Under current legislation single sex couples are not eligible to foster.
If you want to be a full-time foster carer we expect at least one carer to be able to be at home for the child full-time as the child or young person may become ill, or be excluded from school. Carers should also be able to attend all necessary meetings relating to the child.
Fostering is a commitment for both parties, if you are applying as a couple it is important that both of you attend the training course and are actively involved in the assessment process. Once accepted as a carer there are ongoing monthly 'Post-Approval Training and Support Meetings' which you will be encouraged to attend.