How to apply
The Home Study
Once you have considered the information, you will then apply for a home assessment by a social worker. It is this part of fostering that often causes the most anguish for families.
During the initial visit, it is likely that the social worker will establish more details about your circumstances.
It is also likely that at this point you will have to give your consent to have your police records checked. The police reference will include details of any offence even if it was many years ago.
Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from fostering - unless you have committed any offences against children. Those with convictions for violent offences may also find it difficult to foster.
Much will depend on the type and circumstances of the offence, how long ago it was committed and what sort of life the person has led since.
It is also likely that you will also be invited to attend some preparation training. How much training and what sort of training you get will depend on the fostering agency you are using.
Some applicants, as part of the assessments, will be invited to meet other potential foster carers to get a better idea of what is involved.
The purpose of this training is to prepare you for the sort of problems you are likely to encounter when accepting a fostered child into your family. The training is likely to include how to deal with an abused child.
During the home assessment, the social worker carrying out the study will have to fill out a Form F which will be presented to the Fostering Panel.
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