Posted on Tuesday 3rd August 2021
It usually takes between 4 and 5 months to become a foster carer with Foster for Staffordshire.
The amount of time it takes each individual case depends on the assessment process, as well as ongoing training and discussions with members of our team.
What is the fostering process?
During these 4 to 5 months of how long it takes to become a foster carer, you will go through our process of becoming a foster carer.
First discussion
Get in touch with the Foster for Staffordshire team by completing our online submission form or giving us a call. A member of our team will get in touch for a chat and invite you to attend the next information meeting.
Fostering information meeting
In the next step, you will attend the information meeting (currently virtually) and return the detailed information form sent to you.
This will help you understand a little more about what it takes to be a foster carer, and hear from current foster carers about what life as a foster carer is about.
Home visit
One of our social workers will arrange to meet you in your own home to answer any questions you have and ensure fostering is for you.
If both the social worker and you agree that you wish to progress, you will be invited to attend our ‘Introduction to Fostering for Staffordshire’ course.
If you decide you’d like to continue by the end of this course, you can sign the ‘intention to proceed’ form.
Fostering assessment
Your assessing social worker will visit you at home to carry out your assessment. During the assessment, your social worker will contact your referees and carry out several checks, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check (DBS check).
You will then commence the Foundations to Fostering training course with other potential foster carers, so you are fully prepared to meet the different needs of children.
Interested in becoming a foster carer?
Once you have been approved as an official Foster for Staffordshire foster carer, it won’t be long before your first foster child arrives at your home!
During the 4 to 5 month process, you and your social worker will discuss what type of fostering you’d be suited to, but the young person who comes to live with you depends on who needs your support.
You will receive ongoing training as a Foster for Staffordshire foster carer, as you help children to grow up and develop at an important time in their lives.
If you’d like to become a foster carer, get in touch with our team and start your fostering journey today.