Becoming a Foster Carer
The application process explained
How to become a foster carer
So you’ve made the decision to become a foster carer. How do you go about it?
Here we explain the steps to becoming a Foster Carers with Family Fostering.
Becoming a Foster Carer step by step
1. Enquire
Contact us on 01843 598 647 or complete our web form to make an initial enquiry about fostering with us.
2. Speak to one of our team
We will contact you by telephone to have an initial telephone discussion.
3. Get a fostering information pack
An information pack and an application form are sent out to you.
4. Home visit
We will come and visit you at home and answer any questions you may have.
5. Deciding to be a foster carer
Once you’ve made the decision to become a foster carer, you can proceed to application stage.
6. Apply to foster
Complete and return the application form.
7. Sign consent form
We send you a consent form to sign and return. Stage 1 of the Assessment begins.
8. Statutory checks
Your statutory checks/references are processed.
9. Complete training
You are booked onto a ‘Skills to Foster’ training course.
10. Second home visit
Your Assessing Social Worker contacts you and arranges another home visit.
11. Referee interviews
Your Assessing Social Worker visits and interviews your referees
12. Checks are verified
Checks and references are verified and the decision to continue to Stage 2 of the Assessment.
13. Third Home visit
Your Assessing Social Worker completes visits with you and household members
14. Completion of Form F
Your Form F is completed and given to you to check, add your comments and sign.
15. Panel interview
We invite you to panel and send you a panel guide
16. Panel recommendation
Panel makes a recommendation and you will be informed.
17. Agency decision
The Agency Decision Maker makes a decision.
18. Approval
As soon as our decision has been made, we’ll let you know you’ve been approved.
