Ten steps to fostering

Step 1 - Initial enquiry

Give us a call to apply for an information pack. The pack is designed to answer your questions about fostering so you can find out if you are eligible and decide if it is the right time for you to foster.

Step 2 - We will call you back

After you have received your information pack a member of our team will give you a call. This is the chance for you to ask any questions you might have.

Step 3 - Tell us you’re interested

By this stage, hopefully you will have decided that fostering is for you. You can let us know if you want to proceed and complete an application form.

Step 4 - We will visit you at home

Within 10 working days of us receiving your form, one of our team will arrange to come and visit you at home so we can find out more about you and your personal situation.

Step 5 - Apply to foster

Once we’ve visited you, and we all agree that fostering would be the right thing for you; we will formally invite you to become a foster carer with us. There is the matter of some paperwork to complete, including criminal bureau and medical checks as well as references.

Step 6 - Preparation training

Looking after children can be challenging at the best of times. To prepare you for a role as a foster carer you will be invited to attend the Initial Skills to Foster training. This consists of five sessions in Torquay spread over 3 to 5 weeks.

Step 7 - Assessment

After you submit your application we will do a fostering assessment with you. The whole process from you first contacting us to the completion of your assessment should take no longer than 6 months.

Step 8 - Fostering Panel

After your assessment, a report will be presented to the Foster Care Panel for approval. You will be invited to come along with your assessing social worker. We will confirm the panel’s decision with you within seven days. Sometimes a decision is deferred so that more information can be gathered.

Step 9 - Matching

Once you’ve been approved, the Foster Care Team will start working to match you with a child or children.

Step 10 - Ongoing development

If you are successful in becoming a foster carer, ongoing learning and development is part of the role. You will receive training to help you in your work and enhance your skills, alongside the support and guidance of your own supervising social worker.

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Contact Torbay Foster Care Service

Tel: 01803 207857
Email: fostercareservice@torbay.gov.uk
Fax:

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