The UK government has outlined the requirements for becoming a foster carer in England. It said people do not need to own a home or give up their jobs to take in children who need temporary or long term care.

According to guidance published on the http://GOV.UK website on Friday, prospective foster carers must have the right to work in the UK. They must also be able to provide care for a child or young person.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Most fostering services require applicants to be 21 or older.

The government also clarified that prospective foster carers do not need to own their homes. They will usually need to have a spare bedroom for the child. Renters can foster too, but they may need their landlord’s permission.

It said people who are employed can still become foster carers. This depends on the circumstances of the child and the requirements of the fostering service. Many foster carers work alongside fostering.

Fostering services may be operated by local councils, regional recruitment hubs or independent fostering agencies. The application process begins when an individual applies through one of these services. It ends when the fostering service makes a decision on the application.

The process can take up to eight months to complete. Some of the assessment stages may take place in a different order. Applicants can only apply through one fostering service at a time.

The applicant and every adult living in the household must also undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. This includes checks against the barred lists.

The government said fostering arrangements can last from one night to several years. This includes until a young person reaches adulthood.

People considering fostering can contact Fosterline for free advice on 0800 040 7675. The line is open weekdays between 9am and 5pm, except on bank holidays. The guidance applies to England, with separate arrangements for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.