Steps to becoming a foster carer
Get in touch
We encourage anyone interested in fostering with us to get in touch. Our friendly team will answer any questions you have and send you an information pack.
We’ll guide you every step of the way to ensure you make the right decision about fostering for you and your family.
Get in touch:
- fill in our online enquiry form
- call us direct on 0800 197 0320
- email the fostering team on fostering@wakefield.gov.uk
- speak to us in person at a fostering drop in session
This is an opportunity to have an informal conversation. We can find out a little more about you and you can ask any questions.
Meet Karen and Mark, who are foster carers. They talk about their favourite fostering moments and the difference being a foster carer makes.
Initial visit
A member of our recruitment team will arrange to come and visit you at home. Here you can find out more about the process in an informal way. We'll find out more about you and your circumstances.
Application and checks
Children in care are vulnerable and we need to carry out checks on potential carers. This is to make sure they are in homes where they will be safe and protected. These checks include:
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
- local authority checks
- medical
- personal and employment references
You'll need to show that you are in good physical health and able to care for children.
Preparation training
You will come to a Preparation training course run by social workers and local foster carers. You’ll learn more about fostering for Wakefield and the support and benefits we offer.
Assessment
You will get assigned a social worker who will meet you on a regular basis. They will help you complete your assessments. They will also identify what support and training you will need. This assessment is then collated and presented to the fostering panel. You will receive a copy of the report.
Fostering panel
The fostering panel are professionals working with children, foster carers and county councillors. The panel will ask you questions and consider your suitability to foster. You will not be alone, you will have the support of your social worker. The panel will then make a recommendation about your approval to the fostering service. They'll then make a recommendation about your approval to the fostering service.
It can take 4 - 8 months from initial enquiry to approval depending on your circumstances.
After approval
New foster carers will get assigned a supervising social worker. They will provide ongoing support. As a registered foster carer you’ll get:
- invited to attend an induction group with other foster carers
- a personal development plan and core training to help you develop the skills and understanding
- regular visits from your supervising social worker
- local events and support groups to help you meet other foster carers
- a fostering duty system available to help with any queries - 5 days a week
- out of hours support - 7 days a week
Ready to take the first step?
Get in touch and our foster team will be in touch to talk to you.