What happens next?
The recruitment process has a number of steps:
Step 1 - initial enquiry
Simply fill out the enquiry form or call us on 0800 158 8008. You will be sent more information on foster care and someone from the family placement team will call you.
Step 2 - telephone screening / home visit
Local social workers will contact you to find out more about you, your home, and why you want to foster. They will also visit your home to view the environment you would be providing for a foster child.
Step 3 - application stage
Once both you and the social worker are happy that you wish to proceed further, you will fill in some paperwork for background checks to be made. This will include checks on convictions (not all convictions stop you from becoming a foster carer so please don’t let this deter you from proceeding).
Step 4 - initial training
Before being approved, you need to have undergone some initial training – usually called a Prep Group or Skills to Foster course. There will be ongoing training available to you throughout your entire foster care career.
Step 5 - panel decision
The final decision on whether you are suitable to become a foster carer is taken by a panel of people who have experience of foster care (either from being a carer or having been in foster care themselves), education, legal, health or other relevant backgrounds.
Step 6 - first foster placement
You are now fully approved! You have had the initial training, providing you with the skills you need to foster and can now have your first foster placement.
Interested? Contact us to get more information sent to you.
Carer's stories
Click on the clips below to hear real carers talk about their experiences.
Meet the carers
The decision-making process
The first visit
What they will need to know
