How to Start Your Career as a Foster Carer

Becoming a foster carer is an incredibly rewarding and worthwhile vocation. You will have the opportunity to teach, inspire and make an enormous difference in a child’s life. They can make a massive impact on your life and in your heart and you may be surprised by the fact that this is such a two-way street. The first thing you need to learn is what steps you will need to take to become a successful foster carer.

Research

This is not a decision that should be taken lightly so you will need to carry out a lot of research to find out what the vocation involves and whether you would be suitable for the challenge. There is plenty of information available and you should read all you can on the subject so that you can make an informed decision about proceeding.

Eligibility

You may be surprised by the range of people who can be considered eligible to become foster carers. For example, you don’t need to be married or in a long-term relationship and you don’t have to own your own home. However, you do need to be able to offer your foster child stability and a bedroom of their own.

You can work outside the house, but as foster care should be your priority, you will be compensated as you would any other vocational career. Orangegrovefostercare.co.uk can offer you information on allowances and eligibility.

Application

There is an enormous number of fostering agencies you can apply to join and most of them will offer you help and support with the application process. You will have to undergo background checks such as an enhanced DBS check and checks on whether you have been involved with social services in the past. You will also undergo a medical check and home check to make sure that you and your accommodation are suitable for fostering.

Assessment

The assessment process can take up to six months and this will involve interviews and meetings to gather information about you, your family, your childhood and background, and what skills and experience you have that would make you a fantastic foster carer. Once you have completed the assessment, this is likely to be reviewed by a panel of specialists to make sure you are suitable to foster a child.

Training

As part of the  assessment, you will be asked to attend some initial training to learn about the foster agency you have signed up to and gain some basic experience in things such as safeguarding and conflict resolution. One you have become approved, you will be invited to attend regular training days to support you in you day-to-day role as a foster care.. These can give you invaluable information and a chance to network with like-minded people.

These procedures may seem long-winded, but they will prepare you for the challenges you are likely to experience when you start welcoming foster children into your home. You are now at the beginning of one of the most rewarding vocations you could have chosen.