Donate Search Menu Learn about fostering The fostering process We are experts at finding loving foster homes for children and young people Get your information pack Learn about each step in the fostering journey and how we'll support you to become a foster carer The first step is for you to get in touch with our friendly fostering team via our online enquiry form. We will send you an information pack with details about the fostering service in your area, including fees and support. A chat on the phone Once you enquire, we’ll give you a quick phone call. We’ll ask you about your circumstances and how fostering might work for you. This is an informal chat that’ll hopefully give you a better idea about whether fostering’s right for you. The perfect time to ask us any questions! Visiting you at home Because of the Covid-19 outbreak, we now offer virtual home visits. We’ll chat to you (and your partner, if you’re in a relationship) about the practicalities of fostering. It's an opportunity for us to get to know you a bit better, and for you to ask more questions. After this visit, we’ll decide together what happens next. From enquiry to approval, our process helps ensure a safe and happy fostering experience for everyone Filling in an application form The next step is to fill in an application form. This is the basis of your assessment. Skills to Foster training course All our potential foster carers are asked to come along to our three-day Skills to Foster course. The training covers the essentials, helps you prepare for fostering, and raises questions that we’ll talk about during the assessment. If you are in Scotland, you will be asked to take a three-day Skills to Foster training course before filling in an application form. The assessment We’ll try to complete your assessment in four to six months. You’ll get regular visits from a social worker who’ll assess your skills to be a foster carer. There are standard checks to go through, too, including a police check (DBS in England, PVG in Scotland) and a medical. We’ll also need references from people who have known you for three years, and a current or past employer. Final approval Your assessment will be presented to a panel who’ll make a recommendation about your suitability to foster. Once this is done, we’ll ask for approval from our agency decision-maker. We’ll look into matching you and a child as soon as your application’s approved. Interested in fostering? Request your information pack or call us on 0845 200 5162 Get your info pack Share this page Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Copy link You may also like Learn about fostering See what fostering we offer, who we look for and what to expect when you get in touch Fostering filled a gap we didn't even know we had 06 August 2020 Find a fostering service Search for your local fostering team and find events happening near you Request your fostering information pack Fill out our form to learn more about fostering with Action for Children, including support and fees Safe and happy childhood Action for Children protects and supports children and young people, providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard, and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives. Jobs Blog Newsletter Media centre Contact us Accessibility Privacy policy Cookie policy Terms and conditions Make a difference, help us change lives Donate now Follow us Registered address, 3 The Boulevard, Ascot Road, Watford, WD18 8AG. Action for Children is a charity (1097940/SC038092) and a company limited by guarantee (England and Wales No. 04764232). © Action for Children 2021 We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website and improve our marketing. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies. You can change your settings at any time. Cookies Settings Live chat: Contact Us