The Procedure
Starting With The Local Authority
The Local Authority will tell us about a child that needs a foster home. The Fostering Foundation staff will then assess which of our foster carers is best able to meet the child’s needs. We will then approach you about a child to hear your initial reaction.
Approaching Potential Carers
If you think you would like to consider the placement, detailed discussions will take place between the Local Authority, The Fostering Foundation, you and sometimes, the child. It will often include a visit by the child to your home. The whole process can take anything from a few hours (in the case of an emergency placement) to several weeks.
If you are already looking after other children, their Social Worker will also be asked for his or her comments. If the placement is to go ahead, a formal written placement agreement must be completed and signed by all those involved. When it’s added to the child’s care plan it tells you what you have agreed to do with regards to the placement.
Follow-Up Visits
During the course of the placement, you and the child in your care will be visited by the child’s Social Worker and your Fostering Foundation Supervising Social Worker. This procedure has been designed to help you deliver the outcomes of the child’s care plan and to make sure that you and the child are getting the support you need.
If anyone involved with The Fostering Foundation has a complaint to make, we have a full complaints and grievance procedure and process. It is available to all young people and carers.