The Application Process
Aly, one of our Duty and Recruitment Officers explains our smooth application process.
We understand that the application might be a bit daunting. That is why we will be there every step of the way to support you in filling out the application and preparing you to feel ready to foster. With your help, we can make a positive difference in the lives of children and young people.
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Step 1: Get in Touch
Simply call us and we’ll discuss your interest in fostering and check whether you are eligible. To be eligible, you need to have the right to work in the UK, be over 21 and have a spare bedroom.
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Step 2: Home Visit
Get a cup of tea ready! One of our experienced social workers will come and visit you and your family, discuss the process and answer any questions. We will also take a look at your spare bedroom.
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Step 3: Application & Assessment
You’ll complete an application pack and send in your ID documents. We will then carry out statutory checks, references and write up your assessment with an Independent Assessor.
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Step 4: Training
We will ask you to attend our compulsory 3 day Skills to Foster Training Workshops that are curated with you in mind, to provide you with the necessary foundations to become a brilliant foster parent.
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Step 5: Approval
You’ll attend an independent panel meeting where they will look at your profile and assessment, and finally make a recommendation to us. We’ll let you know within 5 days whether you’re approved!
FAQs
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Nope! During your preparation to become a foster parent, you will receive free training. This will help you to identify skills you may already have that can be developed.
Foster parents are expected to participate in ongoing training courses that are provided to support ongoing professional learning and development. These fall under the Training, Support, and Development Standards for Foster Care. More information is available here.
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Once you have applied, you will be allocated one of our expert Recruitment team members. They will guide and support you through every stage of the application process.
With their help, you will produce a detailed report known as a Form F. When completed, this will be presented to the Fostering Panel who will consider your assessment and make a recommendation regarding your approval as a foster parent. The Panel is made up of people with varied and in-depth experience of all the various aspects of fostering.
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On average it takes between 3-4 months to complete the process of approval. The amount of time taken to become a foster parent varies from person to person!
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The day you are approved, our expert Placement and Duty Team will look to match you with a foster child that fits with your preferences and approval criteria. The amount of time taken can vary because we want that all important first placement to be a positive experience for everyone.
APPLY NOW
APPLY NOW
We welcome all applicants regardless of their ethnicity, religion, cultural background, or relationship status. You must have a spare room and the right to work. Above all, you must have the energy, commitment and passion to help a child or young person make a success of their lives.
