The first steps to becoming a Foster Carer
Are you ready to embark on a rewarding journey as a foster carer? We’re here to support and guide you every step of the way.
Make an enquiry – your very first step. Whether you prefer calling, emailing or using our online enquiry form, we’re really excited that you’re interested in becoming a foster carer with us. Once you’ve made an enquiry, one of our friendly team will chat to you and ask some questions to get to know you a bit better.
Home visit – share your story. We will arrange a suitable time to visit you in your own home so we can find out a little bit more about you and assess whether your home is suitable for fostering a young person. We will leave an application form with you but we’ll be happy to help you complete it if you wish.
Application – checking the details. Once we’ve received your completed application form, all the necessary checks will begin. These include identity verification, DBS checks and personal references.
Meet your Assessing Social Worker – your journey begins. A member of our friendly team will be appointed as your assessing social worker and work with you to progress your application. You may have already met them at an earlier stage and, as your journey continues, they’ll support you every step of the way.
Panel day – decision time. Your application and all the documents you’ve provided will be reviewed at our Fostering Panel – our panel of independent professionals and fostering representatives. You will be invited to attend the Panel meeting where you will be asked questions by the Panel members, but your supervising social worker will be right by your side. You will be there to hear the Panel recommendation which will then be referred to the Agency Decision Maker for final approval. We can usually let you know the result within 2 working days once the decision is made.
Congratulations, you’re approved! Welcome to the team. You are now an approved foster carer and we will actively begin looking for suitable children in need of a foster home. While you wait, you will begin your training to prepare you for the role.
Contact us now to begin your fostering journey.
