We have to be very sure that the people we trust to look after children are going to give the right sort of care in the right sort of environment. Many of the children will have had very unhappy experiences at home and need security and stability in their foster placement. We promise to respond to your enquiry within two weeks. If you wish to proceed your permission is needed to take up references with the Police, Health and Probation. The Department will also need to have contact with your family doctor.
All applicants attend a preparation course, which usually runs over several sessions.
Once you have attended a course and have decided to proceed, you will need to complete an application form. This includes naming two people who know you well, who can give personal references. The main part of the assessment process involves a number of visits from a family placement social worker who will want to get to know you and talk with your children, if they are old enough. The social worker will write a lengthy report, to which you will have contributed. You will see and sign the report.