APPLICATION PROCESS FOR BECOMING A FOSTER CARER
INITIAL GUIDE BEFORE APPLYING
We always need foster carers from a wide range of backgrounds, races and religion. This is important because all children have their own unique and individual background and heritage. You do not need to be married, own a house or have children of your own.
ENQUIRY ABOUT FOSTERING
To enquire about fostering for Ansacare please fill out the enqiury form, call us on 0203 747 4757 or email us on info@ansacare.com. After taking this initial step we can gather some basic information on your circumstances and answer any of your immediate questions.
FOSTERING PANEL
The completed assessment is taken to a fostering panel for consideration. The panel consists of a cross section of people including professionals and lay persons interested in fostering. They will read through your report and ask you and your fostering social worker some questions. They will then make a recommendation to our Agency decision maker as to your suitability to foster who will make the final decision about your approval. You will be informed of that decision.
WE EXPECT APPLICANTS TO HAVE:
A spare bedroom.
Plenty of physical and emotional stamina. A commitment to attend training events and support groups. A willingness to support a child’s/young person’s attendance e.g. GP/hospital appointment, therapy etc.
HOME VISIT BY ANSACARE SOCIAL WORKER
Home visit by fostering social worker. If you have decided to ahead, a fostering social worker will arrange to visit you at home to discuss the next stage. They will give you more information and answer any questions you have. They will complete an Initial Assessment with you.
FINAL STEP OF APPROVAL
Once you are approved, we will send you a welcome pack and introduce you to your fostering social worker. They will start matching you to children needing a foster family. This often an exciting time for new carers, you will receive plenty of help and support.
OTHER CRITERIA FOR SELECTION:
Paid or unpaid previous employment or experience in children’s services. Applicants who show a willingness to work towards meeting care standards for fostering. Further criteria for selection will be discussed in 'Step 1' with the applicant.
2 STAGES ASSESSMENT PROCESS
The assessment to become a foster carer is a two stage process.
Step 3 - Stage1
At this stage routine checks will be done, including Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) for those over 16 years and at least two personal referees will be interviewed. You will also be asked to have a full (free) medical examination from your GP, to make sure there are no health reasons why you should not foster. We will also invite you to attend a preparation course 'Skills to Foster'. This is run by members of the fostering team (with an external trainer) and experienced carers. It is a chance for you to meet other people who are interested in fostering and to learn much more about fostering
Step 3 - Stage2