Choosing to become a foster carer is a big step, and in recognition of that, the Freedom team will be with you at every stage of the process. It usually takes between three to six months to become an approved foster carer, though sometimes it may take longer.
During the process, you will be allocated a social worker who will be working hard to collate your application in readiness for approval.
1. Express an interest in fostering
You can register your interest by:
Filling in an application form online
Request a call back.
Call or email us
Pop in for a chat.
During the initial process, if we both agree that you are the right fit for Freedom Fostering, we will organise for a social worker to visit you in home. This provides a great opportunity to get to know each other, and for you to ask any further questions.
If you’re not found to be the right fit, we will write to tell you why.
Gathering more information
During your home visit, we will tell you about:
The types of children that we get asked to place.
What will happen at every stage of the process
You will have a chance to ask questions too.
During this process, you’ll also be asked to complete a fostering registration form and a consent form. This will enable us to complete:
Medical checks
Financial checks
Police check/enhanced DBS
Professional and personal references
Ex-partner checks
A full safety check on your home including pets.
If you pass, we will start your pre-fostering assessment. If not, we will inform you of the reasons why.
Pre-approval assessment
At this point, your social worker will visit your home to discuss:
The reasons why you’d like to foster
The types of children you would like foster
Your family background
Your social worker will gain a better experience of your family during this time as they spend time in your home. The information gathered during the process will be written up by your social worker in a report called Form F.
Pre-approval training
Training is a compulsory part of the assessment, which prepares you for the challenges in becoming a foster carer. You will:
Learn about the needs of children in the care system
Understand the commitment needed to foster a child
Learn the tools to become better equipped for fostering
Training will involve other applicants, so you will have the opportunity to meet other like-minded people who are preparing to foster.
Foster Panel
The fostering panel is the final stage of the process, and are a group of professionals who have experience working with children, or have direct experience of the care system.
At panel, you will be assessed on the information you have given during the application process, and they will assess the questions you ask during this interview.
The decision to approve you will be made by the Agency Decision Maker.
Matching a child with your criteria
Once you’ve been approved, your social worker will work hard to find the right child based on your criteria.
As your time as a foster carer, you will be involved in monthly training sessions and ongoing support to enable you to stay on top of legislation and your responsibilities.
Likely questions you’ll be asked