After you apply

Application flowchart - A visual guide to the fostering application process.

• After you send in a completed application form, a fostering social worker will contact you to make an appointment to visit your home to discuss fostering with you and your family.
• If you wish to proceed with your application, you will be asked to give the names of six personal referees, one of which can be a relative.
• Criminal Records Bureau checks will be undertaken and references requested from employers, schools and health visitors (if appropriate).
• A medical with your own doctor will be required, which we will pay for.
• Carers attend a preparation "Skills to Foster" training course - which can consist of four days or three days and one evening.
• Your fostering social worker will begin the assessment which takes around four months. It will involve about five visits to the family home so the social worker can speak with all your family members and there will also be visits to your personal referees.
• The completed assessment report will be shared with you and then presented to a fostering panel by the social worker. The panel is made up of an independent person, an approved foster carer, social work managers and a county councillor. Prospective carers will also attend the meeting to clarify any details raised by the panel. After discussion a recommendation is made and sent to the 'decision maker' whose final approval will be required. This can take up to two weeks.
• If approved, you will be visited by a member of the fostering team and asked to sign a contract which will set out the terms and conditions of your registration.
• All you have to do then is wait for a child who is an appropriate match for your registration.