Step 1

Our first conversation

Once we’ve received your initial enquiry or contact via phone, email or enquiry form, we will arrange to talk to you. We’ll explore your interest in fostering, your home and personal circumstances. To help you get to know us, we’ll explain how we work with you, the children in need of foster care and your appropriate local council. You can expect this call to last around 30-40 minutes. Our first conversation will help both parties decide if it’s the right time to take an application further. 

Step 2

First contact with your local council and application

Following your conversation with a member of the Fostering South West team, someone from the appropriate local council will get in touch with specific details. They will arrange for a social worker to visit you at your home to talk about fostering opportunities and the process and to gather more information to assess your suitability for fostering. If both you and your council are happy to proceed after the Initial Visit, you will need to complete an application form providing information on your education, employment, addresses and relationships. You will also need to consent for DBS checks and medicals.

Step 3

Skills to Foster training

You don’t need any specific qualifications before you begin your journey to fostering. Skills to Foster training is designed to provide you with necessary tools and knowledge, and to help you make the best decision for you and your family about whether fostering is right for you. Through the training, you will gain insight into the experiences of children and young people in care. We understand that fostering comes with its own set of complexities, and this training will help you navigate these challenges with confidence and resilience. Additionally, the training offers a valuable opportunity to connect with other foster carer applicants, building a stronger support network from the very beginning of your fostering journey.

The Skills to Foster training is mandatory.

Step 4

Form F Assessment

The Form F assessment stage will be completed by your Local Council’s fostering team to assess your suitability to become a foster carer. During a series of visits a fostering social worker will talk with you (and your partner, if you are in a relationship) to understand more about your background, skills, and experiences. They will also want to talk to your children or any other members in your household. The assessment covers various aspects, including your motivation to foster, parenting abilities, support networks, and understanding of the fostering role. Throughout this assessment, we’ll be here to listen, support and encourage you every step of the way.

Step 5

Assessment and Panel

Your fostering social worker will share the Form F Assessment report with you and make a recommendation on your approval. You will then be invited to attend a fostering panel alongside your assessing social worker. Panel members have relevant experience in fostering and will review the complete assessment report prior to the panel. At panel, members will discuss your assessment, ask questions, and provide an informed recommendation regarding your approval. They will also specify the age range and number of children you will be able to care for. This recommendation is presented to the Agency Decision Maker (ADM), who will review all information and make the final decision around your approval.

Step 6

Post approval

Following your approval as a foster carer, you will have access to ongoing advice and guidance through your local authority. You’ll also be invited to training and support groups, where you can connect with foster carers and truly feel part of our fostering community