No. During your preparation to become a foster carer, you will receive training. This will help you to identify skills you may already have that can be developed. Through the standard ‘Skills to Foster’ course you will be helped to acquire the specific skills needed to become a foster carer.

Carers are expected to participate in ongoing training courses that are provided to support ongoing professional learning and development. These fall under the Training, Support, and Development Standards for Foster Care. More information is available here.

Once you have applied, you will be allocated a supervising social worker. They will guide and support you through every stage of the application process.

With their help, you will produce a detailed report known as a Form F. When completed, this will be presented to the Fostering Panel who will consider your assessment and make a recommendation regarding your approval as a foster carer. The Panel is made up of people with varied and in-depth experience of all the various aspects of fostering.

On average it takes between 4-6 months to complete the process of approval. The amount of time taken to become a foster carer varies from person to person.

It’s very simple and straightforward process which we will manage on your behalf. The same applies whether you are transferring from another agency or as a foster carer with a local authority. For more information on transferring with us, please click here.

The day you are approved, we will look to match you with a foster child that fits with your preferences and approval criteria. The amount of time taken can vary because we want that all important first placement to be a positive experience for all concerned- so we don’t rush.