When it comes to foster care, age is really just a number. While there are some age restrictions for foster carers, there are also a lot of myths about the age at which you can be a foster carer.
In this post, Anglicare Victoria debunk some common myths about foster parent age limits, explaining who can be a foster carer and at what age.
You’re too young to be a foster carer
A common myth about foster parent age limits is that you’re ‘too young’ to be a foster carer. The minimum age for being a foster carer is 21 years old. Some foster carers are a natural fit for the role and are more than capable of being an excellent foster carer at age 21.
You’re too old to be a foster carer
Another myth about foster care age limits is that you can be ‘too old’ to be foster parenting. This is untrue. There is no age limit on foster caring. In fact, we encourage retirees to apply for foster caring if they’ve always had a genuine interest but haven’t had the time for it during their career. Retirees often have more time on their hands and a wealth of parenting and life experience to support them in providing excellent care to vulnerable children. Many people find it gives them a refreshing sense of purpose, too – something that many retirees struggle with after stopping work.
The age limits of foster care
The true age limits of being a foster carer are from age 21 and over. Other restrictions include physical and mental ability which is assessed by a health check, criminal background which is assessed by a Police Check, and suitability for working with kids which is assessed by a Working with Children Check.
Get in touch with Anglicare Victoria today
If you would like to support the children in your community in positive way sign up for foster caring and make Anglicare Victoria your first port of call. Our mission is to empower and support children who’ve had a tough start to life by giving them safe, loving foster homes all over Victoria. If you’re interested in becoming a foster carer or helping out behind the scenes, contact our Carer Recruitment Team and enquire about fostering today.
