One of the most frequently asked questions for those thinking about fostering is: how long will it be before I can invite a child into my home? In truth, the answer is: it depends… but for most people, they should prepare to not see results immediately, unfortunately.
How long is the timeline?
The most variable elements are the speed with which checks can take place, how many meetings you attend and if you adopt through your local authority or an independent fostering agency. Your own circumstances come into play as well – perhaps needing to adjust your living situation (e.g. make a bedroom for yourself) or collect additional letters of recommendation.
Summary of Steps
Even though no such methodology is same for all regions, the basic steps go like this:
Introduction and brief chat – you ask questions and discover more about what fostering entails.
Application – the very basic information about you, your family, and why you want to foster.
DBS checks, with medical, references, and home safety checks
Tailored therapeutic fostering training – Trauma and attachment, secondary traumatic stress, embedding knowledge, support for day-to-day fostering. For Foster Care Cwmbran, visit //saferfostering.org.uk/foster-care-wales/cwmbran/
Evaluation: A social worker meets with you in your home and talks to you.
Review panel decision – This is where a fostering panel reviews the assessment and makes a recommendation.
Rather than thinking of it as a ‘test’, it’s there to ensure that fostering is safe, stable and well supported – for both you and the child.