Becoming a foster carer is an incredibly rewarding experience. However, the assessment process is necessarily rigorous to ensure the safety of vulnerable children. This article outlines the various background checks and home assessments involved.
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The Initial Enquiry
If you are interested in fostering, the first step is to make an enquiry with your local authority or a fostering agency, such as Fosterplus. They will have an initial discussion with you, explain the process, and send you an information pack. This is just the starting point, but it allows the agency to get to know you and vice versa.
Background Checks
As part of your fostering assessment, several background checks will be completed for you and anyone over 18 living in your household. These include:
Full Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Check
This checks police and records for any criminal convictions, cautions or concerning information. Additional overseas checks may be required if you have lived abroad recently.
Local Authority Checks
These determine whether you have any previous social services history, going back around 10 years.
References
References help paint a full picture of your ability to foster. These come from family members, friends, employers, colleagues and ex-partners if appropriate.
Medical Assessment
An examination by your GP covers any physical or mental health factors that could impact your fostering. Having a health condition does not automatically exclude you from fostering, as long as you can still meet the demands involved.
Home and Environment Checks
A social worker will visit your home to assess aspects like security, fire safety, pet suitability and more. Some key areas include:
Safety
Locks, fire hazards, accidents risks and medicine storage are checked to ensure a childproof environment.
Pets
Pets can be very soothing for children, but any risks must be assessed, such as aggression triggers.
Bedrooms
Children must have their own room with adequate storage, lighting and heating. Exceptions can be made for siblings wishing to share.
Outdoor Space
Having access to outdoor space allows activities vital for child development. Gardens are checked for risks, such as toxic plants.
Transport
Reliable transport is essential to transport children to meetings, activities etc. Car seats must be appropriate for all ages.
Financial Stability
As payments stop during gaps between placements, your finances are assessed to ensure stability at all times. Savings, assets and alternate income sources are considered.
Training
Training will be provided so you will gain the skills needed to offer high-quality care to foster children.
Approval
With all checks complete, your application goes to a fostering panel for consideration. They will make their approval recommendation to the agency decision-maker. This whole process usually takes around 6 months.
Next Steps
Once approved, you can start your rewarding journey as a foster carer! You will be matched to children based on your preferences, experience and household dynamic. Ongoing training will equip you with vital skills and knowledge.
Becoming a foster carer means welcoming vulnerable children into a nurturing home environment. While the assessment is thorough, this ensures both the safety of the children and the suitability of the foster carers. If you have the commitment and compassion required, it is a truly fulfilling experience.
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