Apply to become a Foster Carer
Want to know more about the application process? We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Want to know more about the application process? We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our assessment process typically takes 4-6 months, but we promise it’s worth it.
Every family is unique, so each assessment is tailored to your specific needs. We’ll break it down for you in simple steps during your initial conversations with our team.
We believe that every child deserves a safe and loving home, and you could be the one to make a difference in their lives.
We want to get to know you, understand your reasons for fostering and make sure we’re the right fit for each other.
During the telephone questionnaire, we’ll provide info about support, allowances and training that come with fostering so you can feel confident in your choice.
When everything looks good, we’ll arrange the home visit.
One of our friendly, supervising social workers will assess your ability and readiness through a home visit.
Expectations on foster carers, including recordings and transportation, as well as support, allowances, and training that we can provide will be discussed.
It’s important to be open and honest during this visit, critical details shared at this stage can avoid complications and delays in the future.
At the end of the visit, you’ll know if fostering is the right choice for you. If it is, we’ll send you an application form. Once completed and sent back to us, your formal fostering assessment begins!
We’ll assign you an independent assessor for your fostering assessment, involving 6-12 visits for your capacity to foster.
We’ve got it all sorted – from organising checks and enrolling you for pre-approval training. Plus, Family Care will cover the costs for Local Authority and DBS checks, as well as the medical check by your doctor.
You will also need to submit personal and employment references too.
The pre-approval training is tailored to equip you with the day-to-day skills needed for your fostering success. It’s delivered virtually with reflective sessions during your assessment.
Once completed, you’ll feel like an expert in foster care – just waiting for the panel’s recommendation after presenting your assessment report.
An independent panel of five professionals from education, health, social care and care experience will review your assessor’s report.
The recommendation will be passed to our agency decision maker – completely independent of Family Care – to make the final call on your approval.
If everything is positive, you can begin the exciting journey of fostering!
Once you are approved, you are registered with an approval notice detailing the types of fostering you have been approved for.
Your approval notice outlines the types of fostering you are eligible for, such as fostering children of any gender and ages 0-18, short term, long term, emergency or respite care.
At this stage, you’ll also be allocated your own supervising social worker – they’ll be your primary source of support throughout your fostering career.
Congratulations – you’re now approved to foster!
We’ll make sure that local authorities are aware of your availability and start looking for suitable matches.
How quickly that happens depends on a number of factors, such as the referrals we receive for your area, as well as your skills, experience, and flexibility.
It’s uncommon for our newly approved foster families to wait more than two months before being matched with their first placement – so get ready to make a real difference in a child’s life!
Download our fostering guide to find out more about the application process, your allowance and available support.
By becoming a Foster carer with Family Care, you'll have the chance to make a meaningful difference and give a child the opportunity to thrive.
Our team will be there to support you every step of the way, offering training and guidance and you will receive a competitive fostering allowance.
24/7 Phone Support
A friendly, experienced team member is always on the other end of the phone to help you feel reassured and supported.
Supervising Social Worker
A dedicated SSW will provide advice, visit regularly and attend meetings with you, so you're never alone.
Specialist Therapeutic Support
Our in-house team work closely with you to understand the child’s background and provide training in therapeutic techniques.
Foster Care Support Workers
Our dedicated support workers facilitate fun, enriching experiences that build confidence and connection in children in foster care.
Training & Development
Our training includes workshops and the opportunity to complete fully funded Level 3 and Level 5 Diplomas in the Children’s and Young People’s Workforce.
Foster Care Support Groups
Whether you’re looking for advice or just a listening ear, these groups create a true sense of community.
Foster Care Reps
Our foster carer reps are experienced carers who are always happy to meet up, share their insights, and offer encouragement.
Estimate your fostering allowance based on your circumstances.
It's quick, simple and helps you understand the support available to you.
Our friendly team are here to help, no matter what stage of your fostering journey you are at.
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