Fostering process
What is involved?
If you decide to apply to become a foster carer we need to assess whether fostering is right for you. There are four stages in this process, which can take up to six months to complete.
Stage 1 – information
After contacting us, you will receive an information pack and one of our social workers will phone to book an appointment to visit you. When you meet the social worker they will look in more depth at what fostering will involve in your circumstances. At this meeting, everyone who lives in your household will need to be present for at least some of the time.
If we, and you, feel this is the right point in your life for fostering, we will invite you to apply. To do this you will need to provide proof of identify and a number of other pieces of information so that we can apply for a disclosure from the National Criminal Records Bureau. We will also ask you to have a medical with your doctor.
Stage 2 – preparation
If your disclosure is acceptable, you will be invited to attend a series of preparation groups with other potential foster carers. At these sessions, we look in more depth at what fostering involves – emotionally, legally and practically. If you are married or have a partner both of you must attend.
If you want to go ahead with your application, you will have the chance to meet with a fostering manager and a social worker. They will discuss with you any points arising from the sessions.
Stage 3 – assessment
A specialist social worker will be assigned to you. They will meet with you between 6–10 times, working with you to write a detailed report. You will discuss your strengths and weaknesses, the skills you already have and identify any areas where you may need more training.
If there are any areas of disagreement, these will be recorded in the report. You will be given a copy to sign, to show you haveseen it and agree with the contents.
It sounds daunting, and it is a big commitment. Most people who have been through the assessment find it a challenging but fascinating and positive experience.
Stage 4 – fostering panel
Your social worker will send in your details to the fostering panel and fix a date for them to look at your application. You will be invited to meet the panel with your social worker.
The panel will make its recommendations about your suitability to a senior manager in children's services, who has the legal responsibility for making the decision to approve you as a foster carer.
What happens if my application is successful?
If your application is accepted you will become an approved foster carer. You will be assigned a supervising social worker and your fostering career begins. After you have been approved we will continue to help you with training and support in any way we can.
What happens if my application is not successful?
We will write to you explaining the reasons why your application is not accepted. We want to work fairly and openly with you. If you are unhappy with any aspect of the service please talk first to your social worker or their manager. If you are still unhappy please contact our Complaints Unit.
