The Assessment Process
Here we aim to make our assessment process as clear as possible as it can take anywhere from 4-6 months. This way you can know exactly what to expect when you sign up to become a foster parent and when it will happen.
Step 1: Get in Touch
Taking the first step towards becoming a foster parent is as simple as reaching out to us. When you contact Families First Fostering, our friendly team will be happy to answer any questions and provide you with all the information you need. We’ll have an informal chat to discuss your interest in fostering, your circumstances, and what to expect from the process. This is a great opportunity to explore whether fostering is the right path for you and your family.
Step 2: Home Visit
If you decide to move forward, we’ll arrange a home visit with one of our experienced social workers, who will get to know you better and explain the next steps in detail. There’s no commitment at this stage—just a chance to learn more and see if fostering is the right fit for you. It also gives us a chance to get to know you and your home better.
Step 3: Your Application
Once you have decided that you are happy to go ahead and are definitely sure that you want to begin fostering, then we will apply for your statutory checks and references. These checks are a standard part of the process to ensure the safety and well-being of the children in your care. They include a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, local authority checks, medical assessments, and personal references. Our team will be there to guide you through each step, making the process as smooth and straightforward as possible.
Step 4: The Assessment
After your application, we begin the fostering assessment and you will meet your assessing social worker. They will make several home visits, meet your family and gather information about your family and your life. This helps us to understand your family and what kind of foster placement might suit you best.
Step 5: Training
During the assessment you will be invited to a 3-day preparation training
course called ‘Skills to Foster’. The training will help you to learn and understand more of what to expect. This training is delivered by social workers and current foster parents who have a wealth of experience and
knowledge.
Step 6: Meet the Panel
Next your assessment will be presented to a panel. This will consists of 5 or 6 members from social work, education, health and fostering professionals. Your assessing social worker will attend with you to support you. We make this experience relaxed and friendly. This is the opportunity for the panel to clarify and resolve anything unanswered by the assessment.
Step 7: You're Approved as a Foster Parent
It is now time to carefully match you and your family with a child or young person. Our team will take great care in considering your strengths, experience, and family dynamics to ensure the best possible match. We want to make sure that both you and the child feel comfortable and supported as you begin this journey together.
Once a suitable match has been found, we’ll provide you with all the necessary background information and give you time to consider the placement. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet the child where possible and gradually introduce them to your home. From the moment they arrive, you won’t be alone. Your dedicated social worker will be there to guide and support you, offering advice, training, and reassurance whenever you need it. This is the start of an incredible journey where you will play a vital role in helping a child feel safe, valued, and part of a family.
