Fostering process

We’re really happy that you’re interested in changing a childhood and changing a life through fostering. Becoming a foster carer involves training, going through an assessment process and us getting to know you, as well as you meeting other foster carers and getting to know us. It usually takes on average six to eight months from your first home visit to being approved to foster. Once that’s happened, we’ll then match you with the right child and it won’t be long before you’re making them feel like they belong.

Want to talk to us about fostering?

If you want to have a no-pressure chat with us to explore how fostering could be the right step for you we’d love to talk to you.

The first thing to do is get in touch for an informal, no-commitment chat with us. We can answer any questions you have, talk about the support we offer, and help you take the next step if you're ready. If fostering has the potential to be a good fit for you, we’ll start the process with an initial visit

Step 1: Home visit (or video call)

This is a chance for you to get to know us better and for us to get to know you too. There’s usually a more detailed discussion about your circumstances and what’s motivating you to foster, as well as your understanding of fostering and the needs of the children waiting to be fostered.

If you are married or live with a partner, you will both need to be present at the home visit and continue to be involved throughout the assessment and training process together. 

Step 2: Assessment and training

You’ll be going through your assessment stage and completing your training alongside each other. You’ll be paired with a dedicated and supportive social worker who will get to know you more over several months and be with you throughout the process. They’ll spend time with you in your home, chat through why you’d like to foster, your family background and discuss children you could foster.

We’ll ask you to complete an application form and we’ll carry out all necessary checks and references. The assessment process is thorough because we want you to be fully prepared for the challenges and rewards that fostering brings.

You’ll get the chance to meet other foster carers, and you’ll complete a course to explore all the benefits and challenges of fostering. It covers the parenting skills you might need as well as how to support those with childhood trauma or who have experienced abuse or neglect.

We run training differently in different places and it can be online and in person. When you get in touch, we can chat to you about how we run it near you. Completing the training and the assessment usually takes six months in total.

Step 3: Fostering panel

The fostering panel is made up of fostering and childcare experts, including people who are care experienced. They’ll review your application and decide if you’re a good fit for fostering. You’ll be invited to attend the panel who will probably ask you some questions to help them make a recommendation. Don’t worry, it’s not as daunting as it sounds! We’ll be with you every step of the way. The panel will pass their recommendation to our agency decision maker for their approval.

Stage 4: Approval and matching

Congratulations - you’re now officially a foster carer! We’ll work together to find a child who’s the right match for you.

It can take anything from a few days to a few months to match you with a child after you’re approved.

We understand that the decision to foster is a big one, but we want you to know we'll be by your side every step of the way. If you've got any questions our friendly team would be happy to talk to you.