Getting Started
Simple guide to
your path to
fostering
Becoming a foster carer changes lives – both yours, and lives of our children and young people.
Our application process makes sure you are ready to provide a safe, loving, and supportive home. It usually takes six to eight months from your first enquiry to welcoming a child.
Book a call back with one of our team today!
Step 1: Initial Enquiry
The first step is to reach out to us via phone, email, or book a call back with one of our team. During this call, we’ll discuss our eligibility criteria and answer any questions you might have. If you meet the criteria and are happy to move forward, we can proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Meet with one of our experienced Fostering Team
Next, you'll meet with one of our experienced Fostering team members. We can meet you at a place and time that suits you best – at your home, over the phone, on a video call, or even in a coffee shop. We want you to feel comfortable as you discuss why you wish to foster. Our team will also share what it's like to foster for Barnsley Council and the support and guidance we offer.
Step 3: Initial Home Visit
Next, we'll set up an initial home visit. A member of our fostering team will come to your home to discuss the assessment process in more detail and see how fostering will fit with your family and lifestyle. There may be several visits to talk with you and your family, but we'll always arrange these at times that work best for you. If we all agree that now is a good time for you to become a foster carer, we'll invite you to apply by sending you an application form to complete and return.
The magic
of fostering
Step 4: Fostering Application
Making a commitment to foster is an important decision, so we need to make sure you're ready to take this step. We’ll guide you through our application assessment process so that we can get to know you better and you can ask us anything you’re not sure about.
If you decide to proceed with your fostering journey, the next step is to complete a fostering application form. This form requires detailed information about your background, family life, and reasons for wanting to foster. Our team will guide you through this process and ensure you have all the support you need.
Step 5: Assessment Process
The assessment process is thorough and typically takes several months to complete. A dedicated social worker will visit your home regularly to gather detailed information about your family, lifestyle, and suitability to foster. This includes:
-
Background Checks: A full Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and medical assessment.
-
References: Personal references from people who know you well.
-
Home Safety Check: Ensuring your home environment is safe and suitable for a foster child.
We aim to complete your assessment within 125 working days, from application to approval. For a number of reasons, this may not always be possible, but we’ll do our best to make the process as quick and seamless as possible.
Step 6: Preparation Training
As part of assessment, you’ll be invited to attend a preparation training course. This training prepares you for the fostering role, covering essential topics such as child development, managing behaviour, and the impact of trauma. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other prospective foster carers. Once you’ve completed the training, your assessment will begin. You will also have the opportunity to do further training during your time as a foster carer.
Step 7: Fostering Panel
After the assessment, your social worker will compile a comprehensive report, known as a Form F, which will be presented to the fostering panel. The panel will review your application and make a recommendation on your suitability to foster.
"We’ve had a really positive
experience of working with
Fostering Barnsley"
Diane, foster carer
Step 8: Approval
If the fostering panel recommends your approval, Barnsley Council’s decision-maker will make the final decision. Once approved, you will become a registered foster carer with Barnsley Council. You’ll receive a detailed induction and be matched with a supervising social worker who will guide and support you through your first steps and throughout your fostering career. You will also be buddied up with one of our existing Foster Carers who will also offer guidance and support along the way.
Step 10: Matching and Placement
The final step is matching you with a child or young person in need of foster care. Our team carefully considers your skills, experience, and preferences to ensure the best possible match. Once a match is identified, you’ll be introduced to the child and provided with all necessary support to ensure a smooth transition.
The moment you welcome a child through your door is truly magical. It's the start of a new journey filled with hope, love, and endless possibilities. You’ll be there to provide the stability and care that every child deserves, and in return, you’ll experience the profound joy of seeing a young life flourish in a nurturing home.
Ongoing Support and Training
As a foster carer with Barnsley Council, you’ll receive ongoing support, training, and financial allowances. Our team is committed to helping you succeed and ensuring the best outcomes for the children in your care.
