If you are considering becoming a foster carer, you must look at the following checklist to determine whether you have the required qualities necessary to be a foster carer working for ACORN Fostering Services.

• You must genuinely like children and remain enthusiastic about them even when things are difficult.
• You must understand that looking after children from another family is different to caring for children of one's own family.
• You must appreciate that fostering will have an impact on your own children and your wider family.
• You should not expect children to be grateful for the care you provide.
• You can accept that a fostered child or young person may take time to respond to the care you offer.
• You must be able to demonstrate an awareness of and commitment to valuing difference.
• You can accept a child who may reject or strongly disagree with ideas, views and feelings that you hold.
• You can understand that children may lie, steal or display sexualised behaviour.
• You can allow and encourage a child to have feelings of affection for others.
• You can accept and deal with anger from children.
• You have a good sense of humour.
• Your marriage, partnership or support network of friends and family can withstand the pressures associated with fostering.
• You can, when necessary, reach out to others for support.
• You are willing to share your life experiences with others.
• You can be pleased with small steps of progress.
• You can accept that things in your house might be messed up moved or broken.

(Adapted from Key Issues in Assessment produced by British Agencies for Adoption and Fostering).