Stage 1
Application
- We will ask you to complete an application form, giving us consent to undertake the necessary checks to foster.
Checks and references
- We will start a series of checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS police), personal references, partner (or former partner) checks (if applicable), education if you have school-aged children and with your employer (if applicable), as well as a medical check. There may also be other checks, depending on individual circumstances.
- All adults aged 18 and above in the household will also need DBS checks.
- You will be asked to make an appointment with your general practitioner to have a medical assessment.
Preparation training
- You will be invited to our Skills to Foster training, where you can learn alongside other applicants, find out more about the fostering role and decide if fostering is right for you. If it is a joint application, both applicants are required to attend. This training is delivered by our Fostering team and includes foster carers and previously looked after children.
- We will then arrange to meet with you to talk about moving to the next stage of assessment (Stage two). If this is right for you and your family, a social worker will be assigned to work with you to complete the final stage of preparation and assessment of you as foster carers.
Our aim is to complete stage 1 within 2 months.