Can I foster if I am disabled?

All of our foster parents are different and each bring a unique set of strengths, skills and experience to the role.

Fostering with a disability

Fostering children and young people can be demanding and whether you can foster if you have a disability does depend on the nature of your condition. In essence, having a disability or chronic illness won’t stop you from fostering. Everyone is different and we consider all of our fostering applicants on an individual basis. Like every potential foster parent, you’ll need to have a medical check before you begin your fostering journey. The well-being of our foster parents is a priority and we wouldn’t want you to take on any tasks that could put your own physical or mental health at risk.

We need to ensure the needs of the child or young person in your care are being met. So, as long as you are able to go on the school run, get to appointments and carry out everyday activities, you should still be able to foster with us. If you are unable to meet the needs of the child in your care because of a disability or mental health issue, this will affect your ability to foster.

Mental health and fostering

Having mental health issues doesn’t automatically rule you out to foster either. Here at FCA, through talking to you we would explore whether now is the right time for you to start fostering, whether you have had any recent episodes and how your condition is managed.

Providing a secure home environment, where the needs and care of the foster child are met, is paramount. If your mental health condition could impact this, you may not be suitable to foster. If you are unsure, we can talk to you more about your personal circumstances and fostering and answer any questions you have.

Will I still get my benefits?

When you foster with us, you will still receive Disability Living Allowance and all your usual benefits. To find out more about this and other financial matters visit our benefits and tax page.

Find out more

Since joining FCA our experience has been nothing but positive. The team always promote quality and are very inclusive.

Foster parent

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply to become a foster parent?

Anyone can apply to foster with us. We welcome foster carers from all walks of life; no matter what your gender, age, race or sexual orientation. We do have criteria though:

You need a spare room
You need to be over 21
You ideally need to commit to fostering full time
You need to have British Citizenship or indefinite leave to remain

Learn more about the fostering process

Can I foster if I take antidepressants/have depression/have had depression?

Having mental health issues doesn’t automatically rule you out to foster. Here at FCA through talking to you we would explore whether fostering is the right time for you, whether you have had any recent episodes and how your condition is managed. Providing a secure home environment where the needs and care of the foster child are met is paramount. If your mental health condition could impact this, you may not be suitable to foster.

We would look at your individual circumstances. For more information speak to one of our friendly fostering advisors.

Do I have to pay tax on my fostering allowance?

Foster parents are classed as self-employed so when you start fostering, you will need to register as self-employed and file tax returns.

This means you’re entitled to tax relief on your income. You could pay very little or no tax or national insurance, depending on your own financial circumstances.

You will also be entitled to qualifying care relief which means you will:

Earn £10,000 from fostering before you have to pay tax
Get tax relief for every week you foster a child

Learn more from our allowances page

Get in touch

Whether you’re ready to start your journey or just want to chat, contact our fostering team today and we’ll answer all your questions.

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