8 Steps to Fostering

8 Steps to Fostering

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Step 1 - Initial enquiry

You can contact us either via an email sent to fostering@lbhf.gov.uk or call us on our freephone number 0800 169 3497 or send us your details via our online enquiry form.

Fostering enquiry form

Step 2 - We will get back to you

We will get back to you as soon as possible (usually within 5 working days) in order to complete our initial enquiry with you.  

Step 3 - Home visit

The home visit offers the opportunity for us to find out more about you and your personal situation and for you to find out more about fostering with us.

Step 4 - Preparation training

If after the home visit and both parties agree that fostering would be the right thing for you, we will invite you to our preparation training after which there will be time to consider again if fostering is the right path for you to take.

Step 5 - Assessment and formal application

You will be allocated a social worker who will assess you and as part of this process you will complete a formal application form. This assessment can take up to 6 months. Once it is completed your allocated social worker would prepare you to attend the fostering panel.

Step 6 - Fostering panel

Following your assessment a report will be submitted to the fostering panel for approval. You will be invited to come along with your assessing social worker. After this stage you will find out if your application to foster has been successful.

Step 7 -  Starting to foster

Once you are approved as a foster carer you will be allocated a social worker who will support and supervise you as a foster carer. This might be the social worker who assessed you. Once a child needs a placement that fits well with your approval type, skills and knowledge, we would get in touch with you regarding a possible placement.  

Step 8 - Personal & professional development

It is important to us that you feel confident about being a foster carer. We provide training to help you enhance your skills and keep you up to date with new developments, as well as give you a chance to get in contact with other foster carers. Your social worker will will continue to support and guide you as well.