- You’ve made the first step by visiting this web site so you’re already on your way to potentially becoming a foster carer.
- We can now send you a full information pack, which includes an information form that you will need to return to us.
- One of our friendly team will then arrange a home visit with you to discuss fostering in more detail and get to know you a little more.
- After the visit you will need to fill out an application form so we can do some legal checks. While the checks are being carried out you will take part in a training programme with our team in Wakefield.
- An assessment report will then be compiled and will involve us really getting to know you and asking your family and friends all about you.
- Once the assessment report is complete it will be sent to the Foster Care Panel, which oversees the appointment of foster carers. You will be invited to attend the Foster Panel meeting at which your application is considered.
- Once the panel's decision is confirmed, you can then open your home and start fostering!
What exactly is involved in the assessment?
A fostering social worker from Wakefield council will come and visit you and your family over a number of weeks and you will work together to complete a report called Form F. The discussions you have will be based around the tasks involved in fostering such as, caring for children in a family setting, providing a safe and caring environment, and working as part of a team.
Your ability to carry out these tasks will be assessed and your social worker will get to see how your family works in everyday situations. The process also helps us to judge the type of fostering that would best suit you and see what sort of help we could offer to improve your skills.
When the Form F report is finished you will be able to look over it and add any comments that you wish, before it is presented to the Fostering Panel.
