the process

This is the most important step you will take, but it’s also the easiest. It all starts with your initial enquiry. As soon as you pick up the phone to ring us, fill out the contact form below or send us an email, your fostering journey is beginning. It may not feel like a giant step but believe us, it’s the most important one you will take.

After you have gotten in touch with us, we will begin the process of getting to know you. This will start with some paperwork and if we can, we will come to visit you at home. If this isn’t possible, we’ll start with an informal video call.

During these early stages, it’s important that we build a relationship with you. This is so we can start to understand what matters most to you, and find out more about the place you call home.

Very early in your fostering journey you’ll be offered training and development to teach you more about fostering, so you can be certain it’s the right path for you. At this stage, you’ll also be able to meet other new foster carers at the same stage of their journey.

The initial training course is called “Preparation to Foster”, it’s sometimes also known as “skills to foster”. The course takes place over a few days, or evenings. It’s about building up the knowledge, connections and valuable networks you’ll need throughout your fostering journey.

You will learn all about what fostering means for you during your assessment. But this is not a test. It’s simply an opportunity for us to find out how your family unit works. It’s also a great chance for you to ask us any questions you might have. You can talk about anything that may be on your mind.

The assessment is carried out by a skilled social worker who considers the strengths and potential vulnerabilities of your family.

It’s an opportunity for you to prepare for the rewards and challenges that fostering can bring.

There is a panel with every Foster Wales team. This is where your assessment is considered. The panel includes various members such as social workers and independent individuals. Each one is highly experienced and knowledgeable, and they look at each potential foster carer as an individual.

The panel are here to ensure that your assessment is looked at from lots of different points of view. They will make a recommendation based on the information in your assessment and you will be part of this process.

Once your assessment has been before the fostering panel, you’ll come to the foster care agreement. This sets out everything it means to be a foster carer, ranging from your daily responsibilities to the support and guidance that you will offer more generally. This agreement also specifies all the services and expertise we will offer to you as your dedicated support network.