Learn how we are safely recruiting carers through Coronavirus. Home » About Fostering » How to Become a Foster Parent Overview Talk to Us Home Visit Assessment Skills to Foster Panel meeting How to Become a Foster Parent Read our five steps to becoming a foster parent in the UK There are many different reasons why families start to foster, but they all have one thing in common – a wish to help children and young people who are going through a difficult time in their lives. Making the decision to become a foster parent is a big one for many people. It can affect your everyday life in many ways, and whilst a wholly rewarding experience, fostering can come with challenges too. Compass are here to make that challenges minimal, and if they arise, we’ll give you all the support you need to tackle them. 1. Get in touch with us about fostering You probably have a lot of questions when it comes to foster care. Your first step to becoming a foster parent will be to have a chat with us about fostering. You can give us a call on 0800 566 8317, or you can apply for more information on foster care online. Your time is precious. That’s why from the first time you get in touch with Compass Fostering, you’ll notice something different – we get back to you more quickly, with the answers you’re after. We aim to have your initial enquiry responded to within 24 hours by phone, text, or email, whichever you prefer. 2. Having your home visit After you make your enquiry with us, we’ll arrange to meet you and your family at home for your “initial visit”. One of our qualified team members will come to your home to have a conversation with you all about fostering. This visit is designed to get to know you and everyone living in your house, but it’s also a chance for you to get to know us, too. 3. The assessment process After your initial visit, if you and Compass Fostering have agreed to progress onto the next stage, a Form F assessment will be created for you. A Form F is what we call your more in-depth fostering assessment. This is to get a real picture of who you are, and why you’d be perfect for fostering with us. 4. Your skills to foster training We want you to be prepared for fostering, our Skills to Foster course will give you the knowledge and confidence to welcome your first foster child. During these three days you will be part of a group that is led by an experienced Social Worker in family matching and a local foster carer. The course will provide a fun, interesting and insightful opportunity for you to find out as much as you can about the role of the foster carer. 5. Fostering panel Once you and your Assessing Social Worker have completed your visits together, you’ve attended Skills to Foster and your Form F report is finished, you’ll attend the day this has led up to: your fostering panel interview. These panels are usually made up of a few senior social workers, care, fostering and educational professionals. They will make their recommendation as to whether you’ll be joining the Compass family as a foster parent. On-going training and support At Compass Fostering we provide all the support you need to be a great foster carer. Once you have been approved, you will be closely supported by your Supervising Social Worker and receive ongoing training through your Personal Development Programme. Get all the support you need to become a great foster carer, so the children you care for can grow up happy and confident too. How long does it take? Your fostering journey with Compass will likely take from 4 to 6 months, depending on your availability and we’re well known for making this process as easy and efficient for you as possible. Whilst this may seem like a long time, we need to make sure that all our foster carers have the necessary checks completed to provide a safe and stable home for our young people. Becoming a foster parent Each of our foster parents come from different backgrounds, races, religions and walks of life. We look for your personal qualities you can offer a child in care. If you have the space in your home, heart and personal life to offer a child a nurturing place to live, we’d love to hear from you. Request your digital brochure First Name* Last Name* Phone Number* Email Address* House Number or Name* Postcode* I am interested in fostering as* A couple An individual I’ve got a spare room (required) I accept the privacy policy (see footer) Connect with us Call us 0800 566 8317 About Compass FAQs Infocentre Apply Now Jobs Privacy Policy Modern Slavery Statement Sustainability Commitment FosterTrack 360 Partners Compass Fostering is a trading name for Compass Fostering London Ltd, Company No:03292070, Compass Fostering Wales Ltd Company No:05956931, Compass Fostering South Ltd, Company No:08374139, Compass Fostering North Ltd, Company No: 07054121, Compass Fostering Central Ltd, Company No:04331256. All registered in England and Wales. Registered Office: 3 Rayns Way, Syston, Leicester, LE7 1PF Copyright: Compass Community Limited 2021.