Fostering with South Tyneside Council

Who can foster

There is no such thing as a typical foster carer.

Foster carers can be:

Foster carers are as different as the children they care for.

We want to help our foster carers be the best carers possible and to give South Tyneside's children the best start in life.

Many people who have a criminal record, or who have been cautioned, can be considered as a foster carer.

It will depend on:

People with convictions for violent or sexual offences against children cannot foster.

All you need are life skills and to be able to provide a safe and secure loving home.

Life skills are qualities you will already have developed through life experiences.

The assessment and training process will help identify and develop these qualities.

You must be over 25 to foster. This may be younger if you have a previous relationship with the child you are going to foster.

There is no particular upper age limit, but you must be able to care for, and meet the needs of a child or young person.

All applicants will have to do a medical assessment to show they are fit and healthy.

So don't rule yourself out before speaking to us.

You can still foster when you have children of your own.

Your children will be included in the approval process too, as they are so important in the family.

You need to show that you have enough room to care for a child or children in a safe environment, whether you rent or own your home.

You can still foster if you work full time.

What is important is that you have the space and time to meet a child's needs.

You will be advised not to complete an application if you have recently faced significant challenges within your family, such as:

Issues around historical or current legal proceedings (e.g. about offences or financial concerns), will be considered on an individual basis.