The Application Process

The basic requirements for being a foster carer is that you are over the age of 23 years old and that you have a spare bedroom in your house.

We have information sessions once a month where you can meet our team, have an overview of what it is like to be a foster carer, and ask us, any questions you may have.

We will provide you with application forms to complete and return to us, and we will work at your pace through the assessment process, with the goal of completing your journey within four months.

The following phases are included in the assessment process:

• Expectations for health and safety will be discussed during the initial home visit
• All household members aged 18 and over, as well as any frequent visitors to the family home and your support carers, must complete DBS application forms
• You will need to schedule and attend a medical appointment with your general practitioner
• Completion of a local authority check on you
• Our administrative team will work with you to complete the background checks and references that are required by law
• Prior to attending the fostering panel, you will need to complete a three-day Skills to Foster training programme or a one-day refresher course for transferring carers
• We will assign a social worker to complete your fostering assessment during the assessment process (Form F)
• The social worker will meet with you six to eight times, interviewing you, your birth children, where applicable, your nominated referees, and backup or support carers
• Your social worker will compile your fostering assessment, which you should read and sign after it is completed
• Our fostering panel will review the assessment before recommending you to be a foster carer to the Agency Decision Maker
• You will be required to attend the fostering panel with your Social Worker, who will make the recommendation on behalf of you. Panel members may ask you or your social worker additional questions during the presentation to support your application

We are an experienced team in assessing foster carers for many years and will enable you through the application to approval process.