Leanne and Mark have been approved foster carers since June 2023. We asked them how they found the assessment process to become a foster carer.
What does the fostering application look like?
We understand making that first contact can be nerve wracking, we have a dedicated team that will support you through the process. Even if you just want an informal chat about fostering to find out more information, we are here to help. Here is a brief overview of what to expect:
The first step is an initial phone call, to get some details from you and make sure you are suitable for fostering.
Next, the initial home visit. This is a chance for you to learn more about the reality of fostering, and for us to understand a little more about you. Following this, an application form will be sent to you, where we require information for the references and checks.
An assessor will then be allocated to you, who will conduct the full assessment. You will be invited to our Skills to Foster training course, this will cover many subjects and give you a greater understanding of what fostering is.
The assessment process takes six to eight months, once completed you are required to attend fostering panel. Your assessment will be reviewed, and a recommendation will be made on whether you should be approved.
How did you find the assessment process?
“We really enjoyed it. We built such a good relationship with our assessor, and she was very professional. We felt comfortable with her, which is important because there was a lot of in-depth personal questions. It was thought provoking and forces you to challenge yourself to be honest about every aspect of your life. It was super thorough and allowed the local authority to get a better picture of us as a family.”
Do you feel that you received enough support and communication throughout the process?
“We had excellent support; our assessor was always on hand and was flexible with appointments that fitted around our lives. We had a unique situation where we were unable to get references from a time we lived abroad, and the local authority were very understanding of this. They had trust in us and worked around the hurdle, for which we were incredibly grateful.”
Did you find the Skills to Foster course beneficial?
“The training was amazing, we really enjoyed it and found it highly informative. If anything, we wish it was longer! Our favourite part of the course was the Enfys session, it was so interesting and easy to follow.”
Enfys is an NHS-based service within Child Psychology and sits within Community Child Health alongside CAMHS. The team is comprised of clinical psychologists, an occupational therapist, and graduate mental health workers. They work one to one with families if they need extra advice and support to improve communication and trust. They offer assessments and consultations to carers and social workers to help them to understand the child and respond to their needs in a therapeutic way.
Did you feel prepared for fostering once approved?
“I do not think you can ever feel fully prepared for it! I found some useful tools such as books about therapeutic parenting, this really helped me learn more about the different approached of parenting.”
There are many helpful resources out there to help your learning and development as a foster carer. Visit The Fostering Network’s page here to see some examples.
How was fostering panel?
“It was very nerve wrecking when you first walk in, but everyone was lovely, and we felt comfortable straight away. It was a good insight, and necessary as fostering is an important role you are going into.”
What advice would you give someone considering fostering?
“If you have a question, do not be afraid to ask. There are many people in the team and tools out there that can help you.”
It is important to remember that you are not alone, we are here to support you at every hurdle. As a local authority we have an experienced team to provide you with the support you need to make fostering a success.
want to start your own fostering journey?
If reading this blog has encouraged you to think about becoming a foster carer, then we’d love to hear from you.
Living in Vale of Glamorgan, Wales? Send us a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
If you live elsewhere in Wales, visit the Foster Wales website where you can find all the information and contact your local authority service.
