Making contact for the first time with a Fostering Agency - What to expect

If you have been thinking about Fostering, its likely to be something you have been considering for a long time. Research tells us the average time someone spends thinking it over before making the leap is roughly two years. Some people on the other hand decide quite quickly that its a journey they want to start and jump straight into it.

Either way, making the initial contact with a Fostering Agency can be quite a daunting thing. I would like to write this short article to set minds at ease and tell you what happens and so that you know prior to making any contact:

a) what to expect and

b) know that you are not "starting" the process or assessment and not committing yourself in the slightest.

When potential Carers call through to us at the office, you will likely speak with myself (Cathy Kubiak) or one our lovely team members. We have spent a long time working with both highly experienced Foster Carers and those that are totally new to the journey, so we are on hand and ready to answer any questions you may have. In first instance we will look to find out how much you already know about fostering and have a general conversation with you about whats involved and why its something that interests you. We will also, with your permission, take a few details down about you, your family and your home and then at the end of the conversation, we will offer to share with you some information that you can read and digest in your own time.

If you like, we can arrange a time to come and meet with you at home to give you this, you can come and meet us in our office and collect it at the same time, or we are happy to share with you via post/email if that is your preference. Before we can start anyone's assessment we need to visit your home so that we look around and give you the opportunity to show us the room(s) that you are thinking to use for any foster child(ren). Whilst there we will talk with you in much more detail about the assessment process, what happens once approved and also talk about what kind of placements you may have should you go on to be Foster Carers. Importantly we will use this time to get to know more about you and your family too. If we feel at the end of this visit that you have the potential to be a Foster Carer (its not something that is suited to everyone) we will happily leave you with an application form that you can complete and send to us should you decide you would like to apply.

From there its over to you. We would recommend that throughout your enquiry, you take some time to digest all of the information and speak with your family (including wider family) and friends. You may decide that the time is not right at the moment and that's absolutely fine, its a big commitment and it has to be right for you and those around you. If at any point you want to ask further questions we are always here to answer them and you are always welcome to contact us. If on the other hand you decide you want to apply and start the assessment process you just need to complete the application and send it back to us.

We are always happy to speak with anyone, so if you have any questions or would like us to share with you some information please don't feel that you have to wait to get in touch. You can reach us on - 0121 271 0555 - [email protected]

Or if you would like to know more about us before making contact you can reach us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or you can visit our website - www.f5fostercare.co.uk