After your initial telephone call, if you feel you would like to apply, we will send you a basic information pack and an invitation to some preparation sessions.
Preparation sessions
The sessions are run either over a weekend or 6 evenings, and are usually part of 4 sets per year. We like both potential carers to attend if there are two, as family placement involves the whole family.
Application form
Once you are sure you’d like to apply to the scheme, fill in and return the completed forms. We also make the following checks
- Police check 8 weeks approx
- Child Protection checks 4 weeks approx
- Health checks 4 weeks approx
Home visits by the scheme social worker
This visit should be soon after the checks are returned from the relevant authorities.
It is usual to make 4 – 6 visits to meet all the members of the household, speak with children and see your home in view of any safety factors.
However, for the sitting scheme there will be only one visit, which will take place after references have been taken.
Personal referees contacted and reference taken
References should be completed within 2 to 3 weeks.
Reports prepared for fostering panel
Fostering panels are held every two weeks. Unless there are exceptional circumstances your application will, and must be, taken to the panel serving the correct geographical area. There are three panels, but a delay of up to six weeks from the time the report was submitted can take place. For the sitting scheme a senior manager approves the reports.
Foster panel decision
A foster carer is contacted on the same day if at all possible.
Confirmation letter
We will write to you confirming registration as a carer or sitter for the family placement scheme.
Home visit by scheme social worker
This will be to complete the Foster Carers’ Agreement, and discuss any possible match.
Welcome to the scheme!
Our aim is to complete the approval and registration within six months.
If you are interested in becoming a carer, please complete the registration of interest form.