The fostering process

If you’re curious about providing foster care in Cheshire to a child or younger person, it’s understood you’ll want an overview of what’s involved. Here, we look at the multiple steps in the fostering process to give you an idea of how your career as a carer will unfold.

Initial contact

The first step is to share your contact information with the fostering agency you want to work with by phone, email or a website contact form. You will then typically have a phone or video call with the agency, where you can express your interest and find answers to early questions.

Home visits

After your call, you will receive a home visit where you can ask more questions and show the room you have available to share with a foster child if your application is successful.

Application and assessment

Following on from your home visit, you will then formally apply to be a foster carer by completing official paperwork. Afterwards, you’ll undertake an initial fostering assessment. This is conducted in person with you by a professional social worker.

Panel interview

If you pass your initial fostering assessment, you will next attend a dedicated panel for the purpose of discussing your application. This last step completes the assessment necessary to be considered for being a foster carer.

Approval

Your application, assessment and panel interview will all be reviewed. The fostering agency will then decide whether to grant you approval and you will be officially notified.

Induction and training

If your application is successful, you will enjoy a warm reception from your chosen fostering agency and begin your induction. You will also receive all the training you need to succeed in your valuable role. Training is targeted, which means that you will get to learn the specific skills you need to support the child or young person you are looking after. After a foster child is placed in your care, you can enjoy round the clock support when you need it.

Welcome to our fostering family

If you’re interested in sharing your heart and home with a child or young person in North West England, at Beacon Fostering, we can help. Our friendly staff of fostering agency professionals will take you through every step of your journey to becoming a foster carer. Contact our helpful team today to learn more about the fostering process or to get started.