I Want To Foster - Foster Carers

Application/Assessment Process


Stage1 - enquiry Stage2 - request info Stage3 - informal chat Stage4 - application form
Stage5 - provide references Stage6 - assessment process Stage7 - assessment process Stage8 - foster carer

On receiving your enquiry….
  1. Request Information

    FCA requests basic information about you and forwards our literature giving you more information on fostering.

  2. Informal Chat

    An initial discussion takes place in your own home with an FCA Social Worker.

  3. Application form

    You complete an application form, giving us detailed information about you and your family and giving your consent for us to complete necessary checks and enquiries to determine your suitability to foster.

  4. FCA obtains references from:

    • the Criminal Records Bureau

    • Social Services

    • Other agencies

    Police references are obtained on all members of your household aged 16 years and over and other regular adult visitors.

    You are required to have a medical examination completed by your GP and the report is made available to FCA’s Agency Medical Adviser for his/her comments about your health.

    You are also asked to identify at least two personal referees who will provide written references and be interviewed as part of the assessment process.

  5. Assessment Process

    A qualified social worker carries out a full assessment. He/she visits your home, generally on 6-8 occasions, to meet and collect information about all members of your household and your experience and skills in relation to fostering.

    The information obtained forms the basis of an assessment report. FCA uses the ‘Form F format’ – published by the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF).

    Preparation/assessment training is provided which covers the responsibilities of being a foster carer and working with Foster Care Associates. All prospective foster carers must attend this training.

    During the assessment process, applicants will be helped to compile a portfolio of written material giving examples of their relevant experience and skills.

  6. Approval/Appointment Process

    The content of the Form F assessment report, excluding all references, will be shared with you and then presented to an FCA Fostering Panel.

    To assist in the decision-making process, applicants are expected to attend the Panel meeting.

    The Panel makes recommendations about the suitability of applicants to be approved/appointed as foster carers with FCA.

    An FCA Director receives the recommendation of the Fostering Panel, and on behalf of the agency, makes the final decision about approval/appointment.

    Applicants are informed verbally and in writing about the agency decision and if you are approved to become a Foster Care Associates carer you will be continuously monitored and supported through the Foster Carer Review process.

    The assessment process takes four to six months on average and every effort is made to ensure there is no avoidable delay. All information obtained about prospective foster carers is held on file. On request some of this can be viewed. References from external agencies (Police, Social Services) and personal references, which are provided in confidence, cannot be accessed.