Thinking of becoming a foster carer but have reservations about the process? Becoming a foster carer involves a thorough assessment process, but our friendly and knowledgeable team make it as smooth as possible. Fostering Recruitment Officer Emily, explains what to expect on your journey to getting approved.
Get in touch
“Your journey starts from the moment you contact us,” says Emily. “You may have seen an advert, a post on social media, or have heard about us from someone you know,” continues Emily.
“Once we have your details, one of our team will be in touch – most likely me! I will ask you a few questions to help you and us decide if fostering is the right choice for you.”
Home visit
“Following our initial chat, we’ll arrange a time to visit you at home. This allows us to go a little more in depth and gives you the chance to ask any questions you may have. This is informal visit to allow you to decide whether you make a formal application.”
Application form
“If you’re keen to progress, we’ll give you an application form. This kicks off the formal part of the process. The application form triggers your fostering assessment. At this point, we allocate a social worker who will be your contact for various checks and references required.”
Pre-approval training
“As part of your assessment, you will complete a Skills to Foster course – a training course that all new applicants must complete before becoming approved as a foster carer. This training describes the type of children you may care for, what you can expect from fostering and what is expected of you as a foster carer.”
Fostering assessment
“Your assessing social worker will visit you at home across several sessions to gather information. They will talk with you, your family and your personal references as part of the assessment. This completes the information gathering stage and the informs the recommendation we submit to the fostering panel in preparation for the fostering decision.”
Fostering panel
“You will attend the fostering panel with your assessing social worker at your side for support. You will likely be asked some questions and your positive qualities and any areas for concern will be discussed. The panel will make a recommendation to us based on your assessment and the panel meeting.”
Decision
“Our Service Manager, Aimee makes the final decisions about approving you as a foster carer.”
Approval
“Once you are approved, the real journey begins! You will be allocated a supervising social worker from our team whose role it is to help you prepare for a child coming to stay in your care.
“Being approved is just the beginning though. You’ll be continually supported and offered on-going development opportunities. You’ll be invited to join a Mockingbird constellation, benefit from a thorough induction process and get enrolled on foster carer training.”
Timeframe
“This process can vary in length depending on your individual circumstances and experience, but normally around six months. This may sound like a long time, but it allows us all to make sure you are suitable, and prepare you and your family to welcome a foster child or young person into your home.
“If you have any concerns around this process, you can speak to me at any time. I look forward to hearing from you.”
Emily
recruitment officer
Recruitment Officer Emily will support you through your journey to approval. She’ll be there from the moment you enquire through to panel.
