The Fostering Process
Are you interested in the challenge and rewards of fostering? You can make an enquiry by e-mailing us at info@caritascare.org.uk , or telephone us on 01772 732313, or you can write to us. We will talk to you in more detail, and send you our Information Pack.
The Process of becoming a Foster Carer
If you want to take your interest further, you may wish to attend one of our Information Events, held regularly in Preston. To find out about forthcoming events click here.
Once you have contacted us, we can arrange for you to see one of Caritas Care' specialist social workers or the Foster Care Team Leader to talk about your family and your wishes. Following this interview, if you and your worker feel it is right for you to begin the assessment process, you will be invited to attend a preparation training group. This usually takes place over two full days and two evening sessions. There you will meet with other prospective foster carers and be given a lot of detailed information about fostering and about the kind of children we place with families.
Checks will be carried out with the Criminal Records Bureau, and other statutory agencies, to make sure there is nothing in your background to prevent you from looking after children. You will be asked to have a medical, and will also be asked to nominate two personal referees who can be interviewed by your social worker.
Your social worker will work with you through an assessment which involves visits to your home and family. There is a lot involved in the preparation and assessment of foster carers. Your social worker will work closely with you through this process, and help you to make sure that fostering is right for you and your family. All this cannot be rushed. You can expect the process to take an average of eight months, although the exact length of time will vary depending on your circumstances.
Your social worker will then write a home study report called the Prospective Foster Carers Report, which you can see and comment upon.
The assessment report will be presented to our Fostering Panel, a group of up to10 people, some from within Caritas Care, others independent people, all with knowledge of children. You will be invited to this Panel. The Panel then makes a recommendation as to whether you should be approved as a foster carer. The recommendation is considered by the charity's Director who is charged legally with the responsibility of making decisions on adoption and foster care applications.
Once you are approved, your social worker will visit you regularly and work with you in placing the right children in your family. We cannot guarantee that you will have a placement all the time, however, if you are prepared to look after older children, sibling groups, or children with special needs, you can rest assured you will have lots of placements!
