The process of becoming an fp.c foster carer is very straightforward. After you have made a formal application, we will call to discuss your specific interest and explain the approval process in detail. The process is designed to ensure that you have all the information that you need to decide whether fostering is right for you and for us to come to a view about your suitability to foster.

In the process of getting to know you, we take up references, complete medical and criminal records checks and draft a report for submission to our fostering panel. This report contains details of your background, personal and family circumstances, skills and experience, etc. Our fostering panel is composed of a mixture of people who have experience of working with or caring for children in a wide range of settings e.g Education, Health and Fostering. Most of the panel members are independent from this agency. Although going to panel can seem daunting, in practice, it is very rare for panel to raise any questions that we have not already discussed in detail with you many times before, so there really is no need to worry! The whole approval process takes about four months.

What we are looking for

The main requirements are that:

• You have a spare bedroom available for fostering.
• You have prior experience of caring for children-including older children and teenagers. (This may have been gained as a parent, in a work setting or in a voluntary capacity)
• You are prepared to foster children of all ages. (The greatest demand is for foster carers for older children).
• You appreciate that fostering is different in some respects to looking after a child of your own
• You understand that most foster children will take time before they respond to the care that you provide
• You are able to work as part of a team
• You have the time and ability to provide each child with warm, stimulating, nurturing care.
• You are willing to attend training to develop your parenting skills to a higher level.
• You are sufficiently available during the day time in the event that a child is not at school or to attend meetings.

To find out more, please telephone or contact us now.