the process

The first step is simple. It starts with an initial enquiry. You’re starting your fostering journey as soon as you pick up that phone to ring us or fill out the contact form below.

This may not feel like much, but it’s the beginning of something extraordinary. The most important step you’ll take on this journey.

After your initial enquiry, we’ll start to get to know you. Firstly, we’ll make sure we’ve got all the relevant information about you, your family and your home that we need to get the ball rolling. Then, we’ll come and visit you. If this isn’t possible, we’ll simply begin with an informal video call.

This is the stage where we start to understand the people who matter most to you. It’s where we find out more about where you call home. We want to build up a relationship with you. This is so important.

During the first stage of your training and development, you will be taught more about fostering and what it might mean for you. This is so you can be sure it’s the right path for you to take. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to meet foster carers who are at the same stage of their fostering process as you.

This first training course is called “Preparation to Foster” but is also sometimes known as “Skills to Foster”. This takes place over only a few days. Whatever suits your schedule best. Here, you will build knowledge, connections and long-lasting friendships.

The assessment is not a test. It’s just an opportunity for us to find out more about you and your family. This is a chance for you all to ask us any questions and talk about anything on your mind.

You will learn what fostering will mean for you. Carried out by skilled social workers, the assessment will consider your family unit’s strengths and if there are any vulnerabilities.

It’s to help you prepare for the challenges and rewards that can come with fostering.

There is a panel with every Foster Wales team. This is where all the information from your assessment is considered. On this panel are social care workers, as well as independent people who are passionate about fostering. Each member is extremely knowledgeable and experienced, and will treat you as an individual.

The panel isn’t in place to say “yes” or “no” to your fostering journey. They are there to look at your application from all necessary angles. From their observations, they will make recommendations about what type of fostering may be best for you.

Once your assessment has been approved by the fostering panel, you will be shown the foster care agreement. This sets out what it means to be a foster carer. It tells you about your daily responsibilities as well as the support and guidance you will provide. This agreement also informs you of the expertise and services we’ll offer to you as your support network.