Your fostering journey
Your fostering journey starts here! if you’re reading this section, it’s probably because you want to know what happens next...
The fostering assessment process in Dudley involves several key steps to ensure that prospective foster carers are fully supported and ready to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children in need. Here is an overview of what the general process looks like:
The first step is to contact Dudley Fostering service for more information via phone, email or through the website. During this stage, you'll have an informal discussion about fostering, the types of care needed, and what's involved.
You'll be given some general information, making sure you meet the basic requirements, and types of fostering available (e.g. short term, long-term, emergency care, short breaks or Staycation (Respite).
You have contacted us to find out more by calling 01384 815833 or by completing our online contact form.
After an initial discussion, a member of the fostering team will arrange a visit to your home. This is an opportunity for you to ask any questions and for the fostering team to get to know you better. They'll discuss your motivation for fostering and assess the sustainability of your home environment for children.
What happens :
A member of the fostering team will visit your home to:
Get a feel for your living environment.
Talk about the types of children you fell confident to care for.
Discuss your support network and lifestyle.
If both you and the Fostering team are happy to move forward, you'll be asked to fill out a more detailed application form. This from helps assess your background, experience and suitability for fostering. A full assessment process will begin, which includes in-depth interviews and checks. You will also start your training to fully equip you for fostering with Dudley.
What Happens:
Personal interviews - You will meet with an assessing social worker several times to discuss your life history, motivations and readiness to foster.
Background Checks - You and any other adult members of your household ( such as partner or other family members) will undergo police checks (DBS), reference checks ( family and friends) and medical checks.
Health Assessment - You may need to undergo a health check to confirm you're physically and mentally fit to care for children.
Training - During the assessment, you'll attend initial training sessions, referred to as 'Skills to foster' and Paediatric first aid. These will help your prepare for the challenges of fostering and covers topics such as child development, safeguarding and managing behaviour.
Once the assessment is complete, the assessing social worker will submit a report to the fostering panel. This panel consists of professions and and experienced foster carers who will review your application and make recommendations to the agency decision maker (ADM) regarding your approval.
What Happens:
The panel discuss your assessment and make a decision on whether to approve you as a foster carer. They may ask for additional information or clarification during that meeting. You will attend the panel meeting and while the decision is made by the panel you will notified of that decision.
If the Agency decision maker (ADM) agrees with the Panel recommendation, you will be formally approved as a foster carer. The fostering team will then match you with children who best suit your experience, preferences and abilities. The matching process is carefully managed to ensure the child's needs are met.
What Happens :
Congratulations, you'll be officially approved as a foster carer. You'll work closely with the fostering team to understand the types of placements available and your first placement.
Once you're an approved foster carer, you'll receive continuous support and training. Regular reviews will be held to check how things are going, you'll meet new and existing foster carers and be encouraged to attend further training sessions to build on your skills.
What Happens :
Regular visits and support - Your social worker will visit you and the child regularly to provide support and advice.
Support Groups - You will be able to attend support groups and meet other foster cares to share experiences and tips.
Review Meetings - Your progress and any challenges will be reviewed periodically and adjustments will be made if necessary.
The whole process can take several months, but it's designed to ensure that you are fully prepared and supported throughout your fostering journey.
