Fostering Application process
At FCA Scotland we do all we can to make the application process as straightforward as it can be. It’s important to us that you’re always kept well informed and the process is as stress-free and smooth as possible.
What is involved in the fostering assessment?
Once we have accepted your application form we undertake a fostering assessment which helps us identify your skills, experiences and qualities, collating information about you such as; your home, childhood, your family, children, current and previous relationships and your health. This information will be put together in a report called a Form F.
There are a number of stages within the fostering assessment and these are:
The Form F report is presented to an independent fostering panel who will make a recommendation on whether you are suitable to foster. The process takes between four to six months, however, timescales can very much vary and do depend on your personal circumstances and availability.
During the fostering assessment process all of our foster carers complete pre-approval training during that explores:
Next Steps on their journey to become a foster carer
What it is like to be a child or young person in foster care
Knowledge and skills required to prepare them to be foster carers
Social work visits
The social worker responsible for your fostering assessment will visit you and your family at home several times, this is usually between 8 – 10 times. The things they’ll need to know more about will include your childhood, past relationships, work history, health, family and personal interests. You will also need to identify your support network
The fostering assessment also includes a safety check on your home and any pets you have. Your social worker will visit the family members and friends you’ve nominated as referees. Based on all of this information, the Form F document will be completed. Before the Form F report is submitted you will see a copy.
References and checks
The application process involves a number of references and checks, including:
The next steps
Once the Form F report is complete, your social worker will help you prepare for the fostering panel. This is a group of independent fostering professionals who will consider your assessment and make a recommendation regarding your approval as a foster carer. Once you are approved to be a foster carer your fostering journey will begin.
If you have any questions about the application process, or you are interested in becoming a foster carer, just call us on 0141 646 4805, we’re always ready to help! You can also complete our short enquiry form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Other steps on your journey to fostering
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