SOME INFO TO GET YOU STARTED
WHAT IS FOSTERING?
FOSTERING WITH US
The process for becoming an approved Foster Carer is not quick and can be very involved. We can guide you through all the stages to help ensure fostering is right for you.From the point of our first contact with would be fosterers, we aim to support, inform, and value our carers throughout our relationship.
You will need to be:
Caring
Patient
Energetic
Resilient
TYPES OF FOSTERING
OUR FOSTERING PROCESS
The Initial Enquiry
Home Visit
This information is then discussed with the manager for a decision to proceed. You will be informed in writing of our decision and given the reasons if you are unsuccessful.
Our offer to process your application for assessment will be made subject to a medical report which we request your GP to complete. A DBS check, other statutory checks and references will also be taken.
Assessment
Approval Process
- Parenting capacity
- Relationships (past and present)
- Household composition
- Family values
- Support network
This information is presented in a report (BAFF form ‘F’ report) This, together with the results of all checks, references and medical reports will form your Assessment Portfolio and will then be presented to our Fostering Panel.
You and other significant family members will be required to attend the Panel meeting with the social worker who worked with you on your portfolio.
The Panel will be made up of at least five members, some of whom are independent of the agency. The Panel will ask you relevant questions arising from your portfolio.
The Panel will make a recommendation to the Agency on whether or not to approve. We will then inform you by telephone and in writing of our decision. If you are approved, we will introduce you to your own support social worker and start the process of matching you with children you might be able to care for.