For all up to date information on fostering with Leeds. please follow the website link on the right hand side of this page
Age
We do not operate an upper age limit for applicants although it would be very unusual to accept applications from people who are well into retirement age. We have a minimum age limit of 21 years. For applicants aged between 21 - 25 years we would expect some form of transferable experience that they could bring to fostering.
Health
All applicants are required to undertake a medical as part of the assessment process. This is completed by your GP the cost of which is met by us. Certain medical conditions may affect an ability to foster. We refer any health issues to our medical advisor following discussion with you.
Criminal records and convictions
Checks for criminal records and convictions are taken up for all applicants and any household members over the age of 16 years. If an applicant or household member has a conviction in the preceding two years a serious offence or history of offending the application will be referred to a fostering panel before proceeding further.
We require applicants consent for us to undertake Criminal Record Bureau checks for conviction records. We ask for this on your application form and we will discuss with you any convictions disclosed prior to application. This can assist us in advising you if any disclosed convictions affect a suitability to foster.
There are certain convictions which would prevent us from proceeding with an application. These include: any offences against children, offences of violence, sexual offences and an established history of offending or dishonesty.
Departmental checks
Please note that we routinely check all registration of interest details against social care records for any recorded history of involvement with the department.
Employment
We are able to take up applications from people who are in employment or unemployed. However, your work patterns/routine may affect the type of fostering you can offer. It is exceptional for someone to be approved both as a foster carer and registered childminder.
Religion
Applications can be received from people whatever their religious beliefs, unless these beliefs are considered detrimental to a child’s welfare.
Smoking
We will not approve people who smoke to care for children under the age of 5yrs or for children of any age who have respiratory or related health problems.
Marital Status
Applications are accepted from single people (male and female), married or unmarried couples and people who are divorced and/or remarried.
Sexuality
Applications are accepted regardless of peoples' sexuality.
Accommodation
Foster carers need to be able to provide separate bedroom space for fostered children. We need to place children and young people who will have a range of complex needs which cannot be met by room sharing.
You may own your own home, rent from the local authority or privately. We are unable to accept applications from people with one bedroom accommodation. We cannot assist enquirers seeking accommodation priority status from housing providers based on a fostering interest.All applicants will be expected to meet required standards on Health and Safety in the household.
Pets
We are unable to accept applications from people who have a dog breed identified as dangerous by current legislation. Applicants who own dogs will be expected to discuss any issue relating to the management and control of their pet.