As you'd expect, we also make rigorous checks about prospective carers so that children and young people in their care are safe from harm.
The first step to becoming a carer is to contact us for a chat. We can then offer a little more information about the formal assessment process - our way of finding out about you and your potential.
The process gives you the accurate information you need on what fostering will involve and gives you a chance to consider how fostering will affect your life - as well as your family and friends.
Once approved as a foster carer, we can also use information gathered during the assessment process to decide which children or young people to ask you to foster.
The process will usually take between four and six months from the time you apply to knowing whether or not you have been successful.
If you are applying with a partner, you will both be assessed - but even if you apply on your own, all members of your household will be involved in the process.
We will support you throughout the process, and simply ask in return that you are as open and honest as possible and give answers that you believe in, rather than answers you think are 'correct'. Be yourself, raise any concerns as quickly as possible and always ask if there's anything that you don't understand or would like more information about.
Application/Assessment Process
On receiving your enquiry....
1. Request Information
Next Step requests basic information about you and forwards our literature, giving you more information on fostering.
2. Informal Chat
An initial discussion takes place in your own home.
3. Application form - (Click here!!)
You complete an application form, giving us detailed information about you and your family and giving your consent for us to complete necessary checks and enquiries to determine your suitability to foster.
4. Next Step obtains references from:
- the Criminal Records Bureau
- Social Services
- Other agencies
You are required to have a medical examination completed by your GP and the report is made available to Next step Agency Medical Adviser for his/her comments about your health.
You are also asked to identify 3 referees who will provide written references and be interviewed as part of the assessment process.
5. Assessment Process
A qualified social worker carries out a full assessment. He/she visits your home, generally on 6-8 occasions, to meet and collect information about all members of your household and your experience and skills in relation to fostering.
The information obtained forms the basis of an assessment report. Next Step uses the ‘Form F format’ – published by the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF).
Preparation/assessment training is provided which covers the responsibilities of being a foster carer and working with Foster Care Associates. All prospective foster carers must attend this training.
During the assessment process, applicants will be helped to compile a portfolio of written material giving examples of their relevant experience and skills.
6. Approval/Appointment Process
The content of the Form F assessment report, excluding all references, will be shared with you and then presented to Next Step panel.
To assist in the decision-making process, applicants are expected to attend the Panel meeting.
The Panel makes recommendations about the suitability of applicants to be approved as foster carers with Next Step.
The ‘Decision Maker’ receives the recommendation of the Fostering Panel, and on behalf of the agency, makes the final decision about approved of the applicants..
Applicants are informed verbally and in writing about the decision and if you are approved to become a Foster Carer.
The assessment process takes four to six months on average and every effort is made to ensure there is no avoidable delay. All information obtained about prospective foster carers is held on file. On request some of this can be viewed. References from external agencies (Police, Social Services) and personal references, which are provided in confidence, cannot be accessed.