Foster Carer: How You Can Get Started
If you have ever wanted to make an actual, lasting difference in the life of a needy child, becoming a foster carer might just be the job you’re looking for. As a foster carer, you’ll be giving a child stability, safety and care…and a brighter, happier future. If that seems like something you want to do, this is how you can get started.
Make Contact
Call or e-mail the foster care agency in your local area. There may be more than one that you can use, so look around and speak to as many as you possibly can to compare their services. They will provide you detailed information about being a foster carer, and if you are serious about applying they’ll visit you at your home for an interview. Find details of fostering agencies at the Core Assets Group of Companies website.
Applying To Be A Foster Carer
The application process can take anywhere from 4-6 months, depending on your family situation. In the course of the process, you’ll start to understand how exactly fostering works, and how being a foster carer will affect your life and your family.
The agency will gather all of your information, perform background checks, and speak to references. They may require a medical examination and report from your GP, and a standard safety check of your home. It’s necessary to be as open and honest as possible, and to ask any questions that arise. Understand that the agency wants to approve you, as they need foster families…but they need to make sure that the needs of the children in care are met first and foremost.
Your Assessment
During the application process, you will be assessed by a social worker. They will interview you at your home a number of times, and speak with you about your thoughts, concerns and questions. You will also attend a training session. As soon as they have completed your assessment, it’s turned over to the Fostering Panel. They have the final approval. The process is quite open, and you are encouraged to come to the panel meeting.
The Review
When you become a foster carer, you’re by no means left on your own. Your social worker will provide you and your foster child with ongoing support. Once a year, you will all get together to do a review. You and your loved ones, along with your foster child or children, will talk about their thoughts and feelings about fostering, and share how things have gone over the previous year. You’ll be able to request more training, and advise the care agency about what you feel you need concerning any extra support.
Becoming a foster carer is an involved process that ensures both you and the children you foster are cared for and supported in the best way possible.
Tags: become a foster carer, children, foster care, fostering
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