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Apply to be a foster carer

Children needing foster care come from different backgrounds and have a variety of needs. We are always pleased when people come forward an express an interest in fostering.

To meet these needs we are looking for people with the following qualities so we can offer the best experience to a child.

  • Commitment and enthusiasm for looking after children
  • A desire to make a child's life better
  • Being able to deal with challenging and difficult behaviour
  • An ability to try to understand a child who has been abused or neglected as well as a parent who is unable to look after their child
  • A sense of humour
  • The ability to work with professionals

playing in the sand

The process of enquiry to approval as a foster carer

You can make an initial enquiry about fostering by following the links on the web site. Once you have completed the enquiry form on line we will then arrange a telephone interview with you to gather more information. If we are in agreement in proceeding with your enquiry we would arrange a home visit to discuss the process further and answer any questions in more detail with members of your household.

If you want to proceed we would invite you to a preparation course. This is an opportunity to learn more about fostering and meet other carers and discuss whether fostering is right for you.

If you decide fostering is right for you and your family, you can make a full application.

The assessment process from enquiry to approval does need a huge commitment and at any stage you can decide whether it is right for you or not to continue with the process.

Once the assessment is complete it is presented to the Fostering Panel and the final decision regarding your approval is made by the Agency Decision Maker.

If you look after a child of a relative or friend, this is called kinship care.

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