Looking after someone else's children is a challenging responsibility. It is not something everyone can do; you need to know more about it, we need to know more about you.
The application process
Click here for fostering application form.
Initial home visit
If you return the application form to us, we will arrange for a fostering assessment social worker to visit you at home. You will be given more information about the way we work and our expectations of foster carers. The assessment social worker will ask questions about your family. They will be trying to see if you have the emotional and physical space to care for other people's children in your home. Once you start your assessment, we are required to carry out these statutory checks:
- Medical checks. To ensure that there is no medical reason that would prevent you fostering
- An enhanced disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau, (CRB Check) This is an impartial and confidential document detailing an individuals criminal record and where appropriate, giving information about those who are banned from working with children and /or vulnerable adults
NB
A record of convictions will not necessarily stop you from fostering. It is the type of offence that is considered and whether it is relevant to caring for children in your home, (i.e. violent crimes, offences against children). A CRB Disclosure will be required of all persons over the age of 16 in your home and regular visitors.
You will be asked to provide proof of identity by producing certain original documents. As a minimum requirement we will need to see your passport or photo driving licence, together with proof of your current address such as a:
- recent gas, water or electricity bill
- bank or credit card statement
- mortgage or insurance statement
If you cannot provide these, then you may be asked to provide other documents eg. driving licence, your original birth certificate, marriage certificate, a P45 or P60, or, if applicable, a professional registration certificate.
Local authority checks
We will check our records (including other authorities') to see if you are known to the social services department. If you are, we will request information from them.
References
You will be asked to give us the names of three people who can supply us with a written reference on your suitability as a foster carer. They will be interviewed at a later date.
Checks with schools for all school age children living in your household.
All the information we gather about you throughout the process remains confidential.
Preparation and assessment
Once you and the department agree to proceed with your application, you can join the next available group of potential foster carers. We aim to run a minimum of four groups per year. If you are applying as a couple, you will both be expected to participate. If you are applying as a single carer, you can bring a friend along for support.
The group sessions are very structured. They consist of six sessions spread over one week, (in a combination of daytime, evenings or weekends). They will typically be led by two social workers and an experienced foster carer. There will be about 12-16 people in the group.
This is a two way process. You will find out more about fostering and we will have a better idea about you and the approach you might take to fostering. You will explore the following topics in depth:
- Sharing your home and family with other people
- Borough policies. Same race placement, equal opportunities, child protection procedures, HIV and AIDS
- A positive approach to discipline, managing behaviour without humiliating or smacking the child
- Working in partnership with social workers and the child's family
- Sexuality and sexual abuse
- Practical information
Notes will be taken on your participation and these will form part of the overall assessment. Your participation in the sessions will also be observed.
Another aspect of the assessment process is the home visits. During and after the group, a fostering assessment social worker will visit your home. This is an opportunity to explore any issues raised in the groups in greater depth. The fostering assessment social worker will speak with all members of your household. They will be particularly interested in talking to your own children, as they will be significantly affected. Your children are as much a part of fostering as you.
A report (Form F) will be written by the assessment social worker; you will be actively involved in this process. The Form F is a descriptive report and is a standard way of collecting and presenting information about you and your ability to carry out the tasks involved in fostering. The Form F asks you to provide "evidence" to show you meet the competencies required to carry out the fostering task. Your assessment social worker will explain competencies and evidence in much more detail with you.
The fostering panel
The report and the statutory checks are presented to the Borough's Fostering Panel. This panel is made up of independent people who make the decision about your final approval as a foster carer. Your approval will specify how many children, of what ages and what gender may be placed with you. You will be informed in writing of the panel's decision. It will give clear reasons if it refuses your application.
How long will this take?
From the time you complete and return your application form to us the whole process should taken no longer than 6 months, sometimes however, if for example you are unable to attend the next available group this can take a little longer. We aim to complete all assessments within a 6 - 9 month period.
Complaints
If you do not agree with any part of the assessment or the decision of the Panel or feel you were treated unfairly, you have the right to appeal.
You should write or telephone in the first instance to the Fostering & Adoption Assessment Service at 1c The Drive Walthamstow London E17 3BN
Tel 020 8496 2479 outlining your complaint.
Foster care agreement / review
Foster carers must sign a written agreement. It sets out your responsibilities as a foster carer and our duties to support you. Your approval as a foster carer is reviewed every year to take into account any changes in your circumstances.
After approval at panel
After you are approved at Panel you will be allocated a Supervising Social Worker and will receive a Foster Carers handbook - further details are on the sheet headed "Support".
Contact us
Fostering and Adoption Service
London Borough of Waltham Forest
1C The Drive
Walthamstow E17 3BN
Tel 020 8496 3000, or
Direct line to Adoption Service on 020 8496 1588
Direct line to Fostering Service on 020 8496 2479
