Home visit
One of our supervising social workers will arrange a time that suits you to complete an initial visit. We will ask you some basic information and discuss the different kinds of fostering available. This is a good opportunity to make sure your whole family are on board with the idea. If you are ready to take the next step, we will then invite you to our next available training course called Skills to Foster.
Skills to Foster
This is mandatory for all potential foster carers. Skills to Foster introduces our ethos, the role of fostering as well as covering basic attachment and safeguarding principles. The course gives you the opportunity to meet other people thinking about fostering and to also meet more experienced foster carers. It’s a wonderful opportunity to really think about fostering and to learn from others.
Stage 1
Stage 1 of the assessment will involve lots of checks.
Its important that we complete DBS checks, references and speak with people who know you.
Stage 2
Stage 2 will consist of at least 8 sessions. Most of these sessions will take place in your home with at least one taking place within the First for Fostering offices. You may be asked as part of the process to complete tasks in preparation for the assessment visits. The assessment sessions will be led by one of our supervising social workers but will be in partnership with you and your family.
Attending Panel - you're almost there....
When the assessment is complete and both you and your supervising social worker are happy with it, we will arrange a panel meeting where your assessment will be heard.
First for Fosterings Panel is chaired by a vastly experienced independent chairperson. The Panel team will be made up of members with a diverse range of personal experiences such as being foster carers and adopters and also professional backgrounds such as teaching, the police, social work, and psychology.
The panel's role is to consider your assessment and application to foster and to make a recommendation to the Agency Decision Maker, who will make the final decision.
You will attend panel with your supervising social worker – it may feel daunting, but we will do everything we can to put you at ease.
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Quality Assurance
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Quality Assurance
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Are 'YOU' thinking about fostering?
Come and speak to one of the team and learn the benefits of joining First for Fostering!
Already fostering?
If you are currently fostering and not satisfied with the support you are receiving, you can consider transferring to First for Fostering!