Want to become a Foster Carer?

Applying to become a foster carer takes several months. Sometimes the process can seem daunting and includes preparation, training, medicals, references and home study. The assessment is to ensure that we find carers who can meet the needs of children in our care.

The process takes approximately 6 months.

Step 1

After your initial enquiry we will visit you at home to discuss if fostering is right for you. We will also tell you how we will assess you and what training is available.

Step 2

You will be invited to attend a preparation training course. This will help you to understand more about the needs of the young people who need to be fostered. At the end of the course, you can complete an application form if you want to proceed.

Step 3

A family placement worker will be assigned to you and we will start our assessment. This will focus on finding out about you and your family, and what strengths you can bring to fostering. This will include visiting you at home and taking references. We will take up references including:

• The police;
• Your employer;
• Two independent referees.

You will also need to attend a medical with your own doctor.

Step 4

Your family placement worker will help you complete your application. This will help up understand which type of placement for children and young people you are most suited to provide.

Step 5

Your completed application will be discussed by the Fostering Panel. The panel is made up of people who have a personal or professional connection with fostering, people like foster carers, teachers and social workers.

The panel will then recommend if you should be approved as a foster carer. A final decision will be made by a senior children's services manager.

Step 6

If you are approved as a foster carer, your family placement worker will tell you about the children who need to be fostered.

If you are not approved as a foster carer, your family placement worker will explain why this was and how you can complain about this decision.

Step 7

After you are approved as a foster carer, a meeting will be held every year to review your progress. This meeting will consider your continuing approval as a foster carer.

For more information on becoming a Foster Carer, please contact City of York Council on:

Telephone: (01904) 555678 Email: fostering@york.gov.uk Or visit our website