How to become a foster carer

It usually takes around 6 months to become approved as a foster carer with us. The first thing to do is get in touch so that we know you are interested. We will take your details, and invite you to one of our information events.

Information event
Our information events are the best place to find out in detail about the different types of fostering, what the role entails, and what the requirements are. Some of our foster carers will be there to talk about their experiences and answer any questions you may have. At the end of the event you will be able to book an initial home visit.

Initial home visit
This is when one of the recruitment team will come and visit you in your home. This is to find out more about you, make sure your home is suitable, and give you more information about fostering with us.

This is also a good opportunity to discuss what type of fostering may be best for you. To proceed with an application you will need to complete forms which includes all your personal details and information about references etc.

Application and assessment
There are two stages to the assessment process. Stage one involves us carrying out all the statutory background checks. This includes DBS (formerly known as CRB), employer references etc. You will also need to have a medical with your GP to make sure you are healthy and well enough to foster.

When the checks and references have all come back clear, you will then enter the stage two part of the assessment. Stage two involves your assessing social worker making a number of visits to you in your home. This is to find out everything about you and your family, to build up a case study which is presented to fostering panel. You will also need to attend the 3 days of 'Skills To Foster' training, which normally runs over a Friday and two Saturdays.

Fostering panel
Fostering panel is made up of a number of professionals and other people with experience of fostering. Panel members will look at the case study to make sure it is robust and indicates that you will be a good foster carer. Panel will make a recommendation that you become a foster carer, which will be rubber-stamped by a member of staff known as the agency decision maker (ADM). You will then be an approved foster carer and can start fostering!

Get in touch to find out more.