New here and would appreciate hearing other people's experiences

[TulipsfromAmsterdam]

Have just joined mumsnet after finding the fostering thread so very first post. We have recently started the process and the first step is a home visit next month so early days.

Would appreciate any info on what is involved in the training courses provided and if both myself and my husband will have to attend them all or if I can do some alone. We are going with LA. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Hi. Welcome to netmums (and the crazy world of fostering!)

You are in for a very thorough assessment. Usually lasts around 6-8 months. You and your husband will be required to go on the Skills to Foster course. Prospective Foster Carers are requested to attend this course before assessment begins, or very early on in the assessment process. Lots of people change their minds after attending this course. If you become approved you will need to attend a variety of courses throughout your fostering "career". Only one of you will need to attend these courses.

There are a fair few foster carers on netmums and I am sure any questions you have will be answered. Also I have received a lot of support from the lovely foster carers and social workers (and one very approachable ex LA FosteringTeam Manager) on this site.

If you need support just yell and someone will be along to help you out.

What age range are you considering fostering?

once you getting going if you get approved their are loads of courses to go one i tend to go as the main carer my la only require me to do 3 a year but now and again theyr may be a certian one your sw wants you to go on

Thanks for the replies.

Good to hear that I would be able to attend most courses alone as dh works long hours and has the minimum number of holidays the company can get away with!

As my youngest dd is 5 we expect it would be under 3's we would foster if approved. We also have a space problem at the moment and therefore initially we would be hoping to be approved for younger children who are able to have a cot in our room if our LA agrees with it. Otherwise there will be some room shuffling which would be ok.