The Short Answer
Yes, you can foster if you have a history of depression or other mental health conditions. Google searches and fostering panels agree: there is no blanket ban on mental health histories. What matters is the severity of your past episodes, how well your condition is managed today, and if you have the emotional resilience to support a vulnerable child.
Many successful foster carers manage chronic conditions like depression or anxiety while providing exceptional care.
How Mental Health is Assessed (The GP Medical)
Every prospective foster carer in the UK must undergo a medical assessment as required by the Fostering Services Regulations 2011.
A registered GP will review your full medical history and complete a standard CoramBAAF medical form. Regarding depression, the GP and the fostering agency will evaluate:
- Current Stability — Are you currently experiencing a severe episode? Agencies look for a period of stability (typically 12 months or more) before approval.
- Management — If you are on medication (like antidepressants) or in therapy, does it successfully manage your condition?
- Triggers & Coping Mechanisms — Can you recognize when your health is declining, and do you have a plan to get help if needed?
Suitability Benchmarks
| Condition Status | Panel Outlook | Assessment Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Past Managed History | Highly Favourable | Coping skills and resilience learned. |
| Current Managed Condition | Favourable | Medication consistency and support networks. |
| Active Unmanaged Crisis | Deferred | Focus on personal recovery before applying. |
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Honesty is Crucial
The worst thing an applicant can do is hide a mental health history. Fostering agencies value transparency and self-awareness above all. Hiding medical history is an automatic disqualifier for dishonesty.
Talking openly about how you overcame depression or how you manage it shows **emotional maturity and strength** — which are key attributes of a great foster carer.
Common FAQs
Will my GP records be shared with the fostering agency?
Yes. As part of your statutory assessment, you must undergo a GP physical exam. Your doctor will complete a comprehensive health report (known as a CoramBAAF medical form) for the agency.
Can I foster if I am currently taking antidepressants?
Yes. Being on antidepressants is not a disqualifier. Fostering panels look at whether the medication successfully manages your symptoms and if your mental health is stable.
What mental health conditions would disqualify me from fostering?
There are no specific mental health conditions that trigger automatic disqualification. Decisions are made case-by-case based on whether your condition affects your ability to safely care for a child.