What happens once I’m approved as a foster carer?

When you’re approved as a foster carer, you’ll get a qualified social worker who’ll make sure you have everything you need before you foster a child. This will include an induction plan, access to training, and a ‘buddy’.

 Local councils ask us to provide foster homes for lots of children and the process of ‘matching’ is very important. This means that we’ll share all available information about a child with you. We will only ask you to take a child that we believe you’ll be able to successfully foster and have a rewarding experience.

You’ll be supported all the way by our social work team and by other foster carers. Newly approved foster carers receive weekly supervision visits from a social worker, and you’ll have an experienced foster carer as a buddy for 3 to 6 months. Later, we’ll ask you to become a buddy to a new foster carer! 

We’ll also contact you regularly so that you can ask any questions or clarify any issues. We know there’s a lot of information to take in, but we are always available to offer advice and support by telephone at weekends, bank holidays, and out of office hours.