How to Become a Carer or Adopter

Becoming a Foster Carer, Adopter or Respite Carer

Although the roles of Foster Carers, Adopters and Respite Carers can be quite different much of the application process is the same.
 
1. Express Your Interest
Phone, e-mail or write to the Fostering, Adoption & Respite Service and express your interest.  The duty worker will be able to answer any questions you have and will ask a little about yourself.  The duty worker will then send out an information pack to you.

2. Receive Information pack
The information pack will give you more detailed information for you to read in your own time.

3. Home Visit
If you are still interested, a social worker will visit your home to discuss things further with you.  They may bring with them an experienced foster carer who will be able to answer your questions from a different perspective.

4. Make an Application
You may now wish to make an application to become a carer or adopter.

5. Preparation Group
The preparation group is normally run over 3 full days.  You will find out about the needs of the children, the legalities and how fostering, adoption or respite might affect your life.  It will also give you a chance to meet other perspective carers or adopters.

6. Assessment
You will be allocated a social worker from the team and they will visit you at home in order to complete the assessment.  The process normally lasts between 3 and 6 months.  It will look at your own background and your attitudes to children.  It will also allow you and your social worker to decide what you want to offer:  you may feel better able to care for certain ages, behaviours or disabilities.    During this process health, criminal records and reference checks will be made on applicants with their full permission.

7. Social Worker Report
The social worker will produce a report as a result of the assessment.  You will be able to see this report and contribute to it.

8. Panel
The report will then be submitted to a panel who will decide if you should be approved as carers or adopters.  The panel is made up of professionals from social work and health, as well as local councillors and independant members.

9. Approval
If there are no problems then you will be approved as a foster carer, adopter or respite carer.