What happens next?
There are six steps in your fostering journey with the Together Trust
STEP 1. Initial contact
It all begins by making contact with our friendly enquiries officer by telephone on:
0800 05 222 50 or through our online registration form
The enquiries officer will have an informal discussion with you and we will then send you our comprehensive fostering guide or you can order free copy online here.
STEP 2. Home visit
We will make arrangements to visit you in your own home to discuss fostering in detail.
STEP 3. Introductory training
The assessment process begins with attendance to our ‘Skills to Foster’ training. This usually takes place over two days. If you have a partner, you both will need to attend the training.
This will help you gain a clear understanding of fostering before you decide to confirm, and will cover:
• What foster care involves
• Identity and life chances
• Safer caring
• Working with others
• Understanding and caring for children and young people
• Transitions
You will also have the opportunity to speak directly with one of our foster carers who can talk you through their experience of fostering with the Together Trust.
STEP 4. Assessment process
Following the training if you and the Together Trust feel fostering is right for you, we will start the assessment and undertake statutory checks and personal references.
A qualified social worker will undertake an assessment report with you at your home. The social worker will also meet with your personal referees, members of your household and any grown up children you have living away from home. As part of our safer recruitment we will also undertake background checks.
Assessment may sound daunting but remember we are here to help you. Once the assessment is complete and signed by you it will go to the fostering panel.
STEP 5. Fostering panel and agency decision maker
The panel comprises people with a wide range of professional expertise and personal experience. They are responsible for making a recommendation as to whether you are suitable to be a foster carer.
STEP 6. You are approved!
Welcome to the Together Trust fostering family.
We are delighted to have you join us in making a real difference to the lives of children and young people.
If you don’t ring up you’re not going to know… you can always go to the meetings for the six weeks and if you don’t like it you don’t have to do it. But if you don’t phone up you don’t know if you’re going to like it do you… so give it a go.
Together Trust foster carer - Dave Taverner
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