The main piece of legislation that affects children who are placed in foster care is the Children Act 1989, which says:
Information pack
You will be sent an information pack, which includes details of Information Meetings which are held twice a month.
Attend information meeting
These meetings will explain what is involved in fostering for Staffordshire. A foster carer will also be present, and there will be opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Detailed information form
Following the meeting, you will be given a form to take home and complete and return to us, if you decide to proceed
Initial home visit
On receipt of your completed Detailed Information Form a Social Worker will arrange to visit you in your home to discuss whether fostering is right for you and your family.
Statutory checks
If, following the home visit, it is agreed that it is appropriate for you to proceed, and you wish to do so, we will then take up statutory checks – e.g. Criminal Records Bureau (police checks), Health Authority, Probation and personal references.
Attend Preparation Course
You will be required to attend the Skills to Foster Course. These either take place one evening per week over 6 weeks, or two consecutive Saturdays and 1 evening during the week.
Application to foster
Following the course and if it is agreed that it is appropriate for you to proceed we ask you to make your formal 'Application to foster'
Home assessment
This will be a series of meetings with your own Social Worker in your home to look in more detail at the skills and qualities you are able to offer as a Foster Carer. This requires open and honest discussions between yourself and the Social Worker in order that a detailed assessment report can be completed. Your social worker will support you throughout the process.
The Foster Panel
Your assessment report will be presented by your social worker to the Foster Panel. You will have the opportunity to attend the Panel meeting if you so wish. The Panel will make a recommendation as to whether you are approved as a Foster Carer and the number, gender and age of the children you will be able to care for.
