How do I become a Seafields' Foster Carer?
There are several steps one needs to take in order to become a Foster Carer with Seafields Fostering, beginning with contacting us so we can discuss fostering with you, followed by you submitting an application and being allocated a Social Worker to guide you through the assessment process.
First Step:
The first step is the biggest as you are contemplating making the decision of inviting someone to come and live with you and your family. You will need to let us know that you are interested by contacting us using one of the various methods as detailed on our website. We will then initially contact you by telephone to ask a few simple questions and then we will arrange to meet with you and your family to discuss your possible fostering career with Seafields answering any questions that may not have been answered on this website.
The Process:
An application form will need to be completed by the adults wishing to become carers. This will allow the managers to have a greater understanding of your family and the reasons of why you wish to become a foster carer. You will then be allocated a qualified Social Worker who will undertake the assessment process.
References and Checks:
Each prospective Carer and adult over the age of 18 years living within the home are required to undertake an enhanced CRB Police check. The main applicant(s) will also be required to undertake a full medical examination at their local GP surgery. Permission will also be sought to undertake the following checks as part of the process: Social Services; Housing; School References (if applicants have their own children of school age); NSPCC and employment/personal references.
Assessment:
Your allocated Social will meet with you and your family either individually and together, including any children living at home, to through the various sections of the BAAF Form F Assessment to become Foster Carers. This assessment will cover your own childhood experiences and upbringing; employment; relationships and reasons of why you want to become a foster carer.
Training during the Assessment:
It is mandatory for both applicants, if a couple, to attend a three day 'Skills to Foster' training course as part of the assessment process. This may require two overnight stays dependent upon when the next course is to be run and where.
Presentation To Panel:
Once the full assessment process has been completed and all the relevant checks and references have been received by Seafields, the assessing Social Worker will present you and your family to the Seafields Independent Panel who will then make a recommendation, based on your assessment, to approve you to become a Foster Carer for Seafields.
Your Fostering Career Begins
