Becoming a Foster Carer - What do I need to do next?

Children walking a path

If you would like to discuss the process with one of our staff please contact us on the number above.

Or, if you prefer, you can complete the application form (Part 1) which is in the download area and send it back to us.

On receipt of your completed application form you will be contacted by one of our Social Workers who will arrange a convenient time to visit you in your home. This will enable us to answer any questions you may have, to explain the fostering process in greater detail and to complete Part 2 of the Application Form. You will be invited to a ‘Skills to Foster’ two day training programme.

The Social Worker will write a short report on what has been discussed and your feedback from the Skills to Foster course and then present it to the Fostering Manager.

If the outcome is a positive one, Fusion Fostering will allocate a Social Worker who will conduct a Form F Assessment. This report will follow the format produced by the British Association of Adoption and Fostering (BAAF).

Fusion Fostering obtains references from:

You will then be asked to identify at least two personal referees who will provide written references and be interviewed as part of the assessment process.

You will be asked to provide birth certificate, passport, driving licence and additional I.D such as a utility bill to confirm your identity. Also, Marriage certificate/Divorce papers where appropriate.

You are required to have a medical examination completed by their GP and the report is made available to the Fusion Fostering Agency Medical Adviser for his comments about your health.

Throughout this period you will be helped to compile a portfolio of written material giving examples of relevant experience and skills.

Once the assessment is completed you will be expected to attend the Fostering Panel. Our Panel has a maximum of 10 people who will have read the assessment report. They will discuss the issues the report raises with both you and your assessing Social Worker. It is a legal requirement that the Fostering Panel recommends that you are suitable to be a foster carer(s) for Fusion Fostering.

All information obtained about prospective foster carers is held securely on file complying with the Data Protection Act 1998. On request some of this can be viewed. References from external agencies (Police, Social Services) and personal references, which are provided in confidence, cannot be accessed.