Who Can Be a Short Break Carer?

Anyone over 21 can apply to be a carer.

You can be single, in a relationship, married or living with a partner. You may or may not have children of your own. You can be in full or part-time employment or unemployed and on benefits. You can be disabled, retired, male, female, from any cultural background or of any sexual orientation.

We currently have a particular shortage of carers who are:

From different ethnic or cultural backgrounds
Disabled or have long-term-limiting illnesses
Men

Temporary Exclusions

A number of temporary situations make it unlikely that you can be considered as a carer straight away.

This should not stop you registering your interest with us now though, particularly if your circumstances are likely to change in the next six months.

Circumstances include where you:

Are pregnant
Have a child aged 12 months or younger
Are undergoing fertility treatment
Are experiencing serious financial problems
Are planning to move within the next 6 months
Both you and your partner work full-time
Have suffered a separation, loss or bereavement of a child or partner in the last 12 months
Are a couple and have been in a relationship for fewer than 3 years

Permanent Exclusions

We cannot take forward an application to be a carer if you:

Or any member of your household has a conviction for a serious criminal offence involving children (please speak to us in confidence if you have any questions about this)
Live in short-term or seasonal housing arrangements which would not provide a secure home environment and you plan to continue to do so
Already foster for another local authority or agency
Have applied to adopt a child and are waiting for approval or are on adoption leave
You have a child of your own being looked after by a local authority

Special Note for Bracknell Forest Borough Council Employees

If you work in Children's Social Care you can still apply to us to be a foster carer but your application will need to be dealt with independently by another local authority. Contact us for more information.