How do I Foster?
If you are thinking of becoming a carer, it is important to know the process that is involved. There are 5 stages applicants must go through before qualifying, the whole process can take upto 5 months. Throughout all the stages, there are very important choices and decisions to be made as to whether you wish to proceed with the application.
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Initial Enquiry
When you first contact us some basic information will be taken to ascertain whether you meet the criteria to become a Foster Carer. Do you have a spare room? Do you have any significant criminal convictions? Do you have any serious illnesses? Do you have any children under the age of 2 living with you?
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Initial Visit from Social Worker
An initial visit will be arranged for a Social Worker to visit your home. It is important that all those who are involved are present at this time. You will then be informed about the assessment process in more detail. During this stage you will be given an information pack, along with an application form which must be filled out and returned asap to progress your application.
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Attendance at informal ‘skills to foster’ workshop
This training is designed to provide the applicants with a wider understanding and an insight into what is involved in being a Foster Carer. It is a great opportunity to consider how fostering could impact on your own family/lifestyle.
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Assessment by Social Worker
A Social Worker will be assigned to work with you and will go through a more thorough and indepth assessment which will involve all family members. This process can take approximately 4 months.
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Applicant’s invited to attend fostering panel
The final step is sending the application to the Fostering Panel to be approved.
The process concludes with the assessment report being presented to the Agency Fostering Panel, which you are also invited to attend. The Panel Members will ask questions and if there are no outstanding issues, you will be approved as a Foster Carer.
