We recognise becoming a foster parent is a big step.
Step 1 – Contact Us
The first step is to contact us. This doesn’t commit you to anything.
We typically start with a chat on the phone to provide you with more information and then arrange to visit you at home. We want to answer all your questions and start to get to know you. Click here to contact us.
Step 2 – Applying
You may be ready to start a formal application. The quickest way to do this is to click here to complete an online application. We’ll be in touch promptly.
Some people may be new to fostering, some may already be foster parents or have fostered before. For those you’ve fostered before we have a fast-track assessment process to streamline the assessment process as far as possible. With the Welsh Government programme to eliminate profit making from the care of looked after children we have some foster parents transferring over as we are an established charity.
Step 3 – Training
We run face to face training at our office in Cardiff for new foster parents. This is intended to run through the basics, develop your understanding and give you practical strategies and skills to work with children and young people in care.
Step 4 – Fostering Assessment
To ensure the best possible matching between you, your household and children in care we need to get to know you, to understand how your family and life works. This is the basis for a detailed discussion to work out which children you want to look after.
A qualified social worker from our team will undertake a number of visits to you at home working together on a reported called a Form F. This is the main document used to match you with children and young people. We also talk to any other children who may live in the household in an age appropriate way to answer their questions and ascertain their wishes and feelings.
Step 5 – Fostering Panel
Our Independent Panel review the Form F report, and ask you and your social worker any questions. They make a recommendation to the SFS Agency Decision Maker. Approved Foster Parents can start considering children straight away.
Stage 6 – Ready to Start Fostering
Your Supervising Social Worker (SSW) will contact you with details about specific children. We take a great deal of care to match your skills and abilities with the difference needs of children referred to us. This is essential to ensure the best possible outcomes. Sometime children are able to visit in advance of coming to live with you, other times there is little notice. You are not obliged to take any placement you don’t want to.