Step 1
If you are interested in becoming a foster carer please complete the online enquiry form. Alternatively, you are welcome to call us on 0800 917 7771. We are always very happy to chat informally to you at any time and without any obligation to proceed.
Step 2
A member of the Fostering Team will then contact you to ask you a few questions. If your enquiry is then to proceed a Fostering Pack will be sent out to you. This pack will include information about fostering for Redcar and Cleveland Council and a ‘Recruitment Form’.
Step 3
On receipt of your completed Recruitment Form, a member of the Fostering Team will then contact you to arrange an initial visit. This visit will provide you with more details about becoming a foster carer and answer any questions you may have.
Step 4
If you and the member of the team decide to progress with your enquiry, you will be offered a place on the next available Skills to Foster Training. This training gives an overview of what your role will entail and usually takes place over three full days.
Step 5
If, following attendance at the Skills to Foster Training you wish to proceed to the assessment stages and also if we feel that you will be suitable, we will invite you to make a formal application to be assessed a foster carer.
Step 6
When your application has been received, you will formally enter Stage One of the assessment process. During this stage, we will undertake a series of checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring check. We also arrange for you to go for a medical with your G.P (we will pay for this).
Step 7
When we have received your application you also will formally enter Stage Two of the process, which is the Home Study Assessment (Form F). A Supervising Social Worker will be allocated to you and will complete an introductory visit to arrange suitable times and dates to complete the assessment. Your Supervising Social Worker will visit you on a number of occasions and ask you questions regarding, your life history, your relationships and your experience of caring for children. This process will be explained in more detail during the Skills to Foster Training.
Step 8
This whole process is anticipated to take between 6-8 months to complete, but may be extended in exceptional circumstances. At any point during this process, you may decide the time is not quite right for you and you may withdraw from the process. With your permission, we will keep your details on file and contact you at a later date.
Step 9
If your assessment is positive, it will be presented before the Redcar and Cleveland Fostering Panel. This panel consists of relevant professionals from health, education, social care and elected members. The panel will make a recommendation to the Agency Decision Maker whether to approve you as a foster carer and the terms of your approval.
Step 10
If you are approved by the Agency Decision Maker, you will be allocated a Supervising Social Worker, who will be there to supervise, support and guide you in your role as a foster carer.
Step 11
You will be invited to undertake on-going training which will help you support the children in your care and some of these courses will be mandatory.
