FOSTERING APPLICATION PROCESS
The process of becoming a foster carer can be broken down into the following simple steps.
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1. You get in touch
To start the process, we need to have a chat with you. There's some preliminary questions to go through, and it lets us get to know you a bit. When you get in touch we can answer any questions you have about fostering and chat to you about your interest in becoming a foster carer. You can get in touch with us here.
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2. Home visit
Once we've had a brief chat, one of our social workers will arrange to visit you at home to explain what fostering involves and to find out more about you and your circumstances.
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3. Application
When you're ready a social worker will help you complete an application pack so your enquiry can be taken to the next stage.
4. Assessment & Training
Your social worker will visit you at home over a few weeks to complete the fostering assessment which is a report written about you and your family, your life experiences, and your skills. As part of this we attain references from your friends, family and employers and request criminal record checks, Local Authority checks and ask you to have a medical assessment. You'll also be invited to our Skills to Foster training which is a three day course that helps you to prepare practically for being a foster carer.
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5. Fostering Panel
When your assessment is completed it will be presented to the fostering panel by your social worker. The panel will make a recommendation to the manager of Parallel Parents so that a final decision can be made about you becoming a foster carer.
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6. You become an approved foster carer!
When you have been approved you are ready to go! Your social worker will link with you to find the right child or children for you to foster. They will carry on training you and will be on hand 24/7 to support you every step of the way.
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Apply now!
Start a rewarding career in which you can make a real difference. We will fully train and prepare you to be a great foster parent and help give a less fortunate child a brighter future.
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We give you all the support information you need to get started as a foster carer. If you have a question that hasn't been answered by our website, feel free to start a quick web chat with us, email us, or give us a call, and we'd be delighted to answer your query!
Apply
THE PROCESS OF BECOMING A FOSTER CARER USUALLY TAKES 4-6 MONTHS
During this time your social worker will get to know you and your family dynamics really
well so that they can match an appropiate child to your family and support you in caring for them too.
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Having this time also allows you to reflect on how fostering is going to impact you and your family and make preperations. You'll be invited to attend training to help you practically prepare for your role as a foster carer and meet with others who are also going through the application process.
