What is the fostering process in the UK?

So you’ve decided you want to become a foster carer? Brilliant! Start your journey today, and you could be fostering a child within four to six months. Here’s how:

Step 1 – Getting started

Complete our quick enquiry form and we’ll send you an information pack that goes into more detail about fostering.

A member of our Shropshire-based team – probably Chloe – will then get in touch and see if you’ve got any questions.

Alternatively, please call our information line on 01743 253797.

“The training and support we received during the application process was invaluable when we began fostering properly.”

Step 2 – Home visit for fostering

One of our friendly social workers will arrange to meet you at your home. And don’t worry if you don’t think your home is big enough, or you don’t have a spare room – we want to work with you to make fostering work for you. You’re bound to have loads of questions for us, too – so ask away.

Step 3 – Fostering assessment

This is all about the formal stuff we need to go through, such as arranging a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. This can sound a bit daunting, but please don’t worry – absolutely everyone who cares for children has to have this check.

We’ll then allocate you a dedicated social worker. They’ll get to know you (and you them) so that you can explore what type of fostering will be best for you. We’ll also have chats with the rest of your family, just so we can iron out any issues.

Obviously, fostering’s a big change for you and your family – and the foster child, so we all need to get this right. That’s why there’ll be at least seven further visits. That may seem a lot, but it’s really worth being thorough.

Once that’s all done, your social worker will present your report to the fostering panel.

Step 4 – Attend ‘skills to foster’ training

We’re committed to giving you the best possible training and support you need to become a foster carer. So to speed things up, the training starts while your application is being assessed. Training sessions are run by social workers and foster carers. It’s all designed by the Fostering Network, so you’ll have the skills you need to really hit the ground running.

Step 5 – Fostering Panel

The final stage: your social worker will make a recommendation and put it in front of an expert panel. We’ll tell you the panel’s decision on the day.

Step 6 – Welcome to Shropshire’s biggest family!

Once you are approved you will be available to foster children. How quickly you have a placement will depend on the category of children you are approved to care for. Before a child or young person is placed with you, we will check that you have all the necessary equipment.