Stage one

Stage one begins when we receive your completed application form. You will also be required to attend a ‘Skills to Foster’ preparation training as provided by the fostering team. Recruitment social workers facilitate these training sessions with the help of experienced foster carers and young people who have previously been in the care of the local authority. A number of key topics are covered in the training including the role of foster carers, promoting cultural identity and life chances, the challenges and rewards of fostering, child development, safer caring, and moving children on to their new placement or returning to live with their birth family or relative.

During this stage statutory checks including Disclosure and Barring Service, NSPCC, Medical, Employment and Local Authority checks are carried out. Six personal references will also be sought including previous partner’s reference (if applicable).

Once your checks and information have been received. The applicant will be informed of the decision to proceed to Stage 2 within 10 working days.

If during stage one, we decide not to proceed with your assessment, we will write to you informing you of their decision and the reasons for this.