The process of being approved please

[Alakazam7]

Hi I'm just at the very start of a possible fostering journey with a local authority.
Could anyone post the rough breakdown of what the process is like and what to expect. I know I'll get this information but I'd like to know a bit more so I can prepare myself. I realise it will be different for everyone but if anyone is willing to share their experiences I'd really appreciate it.

[Arkay]

Hello, here's roughly what happened with me...

Went to the information evening, left my contact info on the night.
Had a call from a Social Worker within a week - she asked a few questions about me and my family and why I wanted to foster.
Had an initial home visit from a SW - asked what my understanding of fostering/children in care/etc, was plus more general questions about me and my family and a look around my home.
Had a call to say the initial visit was successful and I would be assigned an assessing SW.
Was sent a massive form to fill - chronology, all previous addresses, all previous jobs, etc. etc. etc.
Assessing SW came round 12 times over the next 4 months. Two hours (or more) for each appointment plus homework. Each session looked at different things...upbringing, work experience, understanding of issues that might affect looked after children, every aspect of my life talked about...relationships, money, diet, attitude to drinks/drugs/sex/etc. etc. etc.
Early on in assessment I attended 3 days Skills to Foster training (observed as part of the assessment process as well as training for you).
Medical assessment done early on during the assessment.
DBS check done early on too.
Panel - there were ten people on my panel and they gave me an absolute grilling. They tell you immediately after if they're going to recommend whether you're approved or not but then there's a week's wait for a senior person to approve the approval panel's decision.

And I think that was it...

I went to an information in the June and was approved the following March. Could've been quicker, but I had to wait until after the summer holidays to be assigned an assessing SW and then my panel date was later than it could've been because my SW was on holiday so we missed a month and I wanted to wait for her to be back rather than go to panel without her.

Gruelling...but I enjoyed it... Good luck!

[Alakazam7]

Thank you- that's just what I needed. Thanks for being so helpful! I've just had my first interview so it's really good to know a bit more about what might happen now!

[EnglishIrishRose]

Good luck! My advice - be honest and don't be afraid to ask questions. And read / talk to as many people as you can about fostering before you start.

[Flower20166]

Hi!
I rang my LA and said I was interested in fostering, they sent me out a booklet explaining how it worked to foster in their LA and there was a form to complete and send back if I was still interested.
I sent that back and they rang me and arranged an initial visit where a social worker came to visit me and answered any questions I had etc.
The next month I did the 3 day skills to foster course (which I loved...it was so informative!)
After that I was assigned a social worker who came out probably 6times over the next few months to complete the form F..they basically just want to know everything about you!
I too had my medical and they got references early on in the assessment.
I was assigned my social worker at the end of November and went to panel in July and it could have been earlier but I worked in a school and wanted to hand my notice in just before breaking up for the school holidays so I could use my 6weeks notice over the 6weeks holidays!
I was soooo nervous for panel, but they literally asked me 3 questions and it was over and they were all so lovely and there was no need to be nervous at all!
Good luck and keep up updated!!

[Arkay]

A few other bits I forgot...

Had a SW come to my home for a heath and safety check and was given a long list of things that needed doing which had to be completed before panel.
Had to have a fire safety visit (part of the H&S check) which was brilliant because I have a 3 year old who got to clamber about in the fire engine parked outside the house whilst a couple of fire men spoke to me about escape routes, etc.
Had to meet with a foster carer, just for a bit of a chat, but she had to feed back to my assessing SW.
Also had a second opinion visit from a SW at the end of the assessment before panel.

[Alakazam7]

Thanks everyone- think I've got through the first stage so I'm looking forward to the next steps!

[Tanclarman123]

all of above plus we had a pet assessor come out. Panel was lovely really felt at ease and got asked how will fostering affect our own children and if have screaming child how would we deal with situation as a couple.. the panel were friendly and smiley. Good luck x

[Alakazam7]

Thanks Tan, I have a pet in the house so I suppose that could happen with me too. Thanks for all the helpful responses here. I'm finding the board very helpful generally but I'm sure I'll be back with more questions at some point!