How does the process work

Here's where you can find out how to become a foster carer with Fostering People.

The process to becoming a foster carer with Fostering People is designed to ensure that you are supplied with all of the advice, information and support that you need. In return, we carry out all of the checks necessary for fostering a child or young person to ensure that you have the right credentials to be considered to foster a child or young person, and becoming a foster carer is right for you.

STEP 1: First Contact
Enquire online or call 0800 077 8159 to register your interest.
Following your initial enquiry into fostering, via phone or online, you will receive our fostering Information Pack. If enquiring online, a member of the Fostering People team will be in touch to confirm that we've received your enquiry and ask you a few questions via an informal chat.

STEP 2: Home Visit
Following our initial discussions, if you are interested in becoming a foster carer and we think it may be right for you we will then make arrangements for you to have a more in-depth discussion regarding all issues of foster care with one of our workers in your own home, and together we will decide whether you go forward to the assessment process.

STEP 3: Checks and References
Once your application is received, we will undertake various checks and personal references, including police checks and enquiries of other statutory agencies. A medical will also be needed at this point in the process to become a foster carer.

STEP 4: Training
The assessment process includes attendance at foster carer training workshops. These are called SKILLS TO FOSTER. They usually take place over a weekend and last for two or three days. If you have a partner, then both of you will need to attend the training.

STEP 5: Assessment Report
An experienced Social Worker will begin a home study, getting to know you and important people in your network. This allows us to find out more about you while providing you with as much information and advice as you need. The Social Worker will visit you at home approximately eight times.

The Social Worker will meet with your personal referees, members of your household and any adult children you have living away from home. An in-depth report will be prepared by the Social Worker and will include contributions from you. Once the assessment report, called a ‘Form F', is completed it will be shared with you.

STEP 6: Fostering Panel
The Fostering Panel consists of a group of people who have a wide range of both professional and personal experience of fostering. The Fostering Panel includes experienced Social Workers, foster carers, people that have grown up in foster care, and people with experience in working with children and young people. Fostering Panels also have legal and medical advisors who help them in the decision making process.

The Fostering Panel receives a copy of your assessment report before the meeting to allow time to consider this carefully. Fostering Panel members have full regard for confidentiality and will always welcome the opportunity to meet with you when your application is considered.

The Fostering Panel will make a recommendation to the Fostering People Operational Manager, John Platt, who will make the final decision as to your suitability to foster.

How long does this process take?

This can vary depending on your circumstances. We normally advise that the process will take around 4-6 months.

>> enquire online
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