Your journey to becoming a foster carer

Your journey to becoming a foster carer

How to foster: A step-by-step guide to becoming a foster carer

The process of becoming a foster carer thorough - it has to be, to make sure every child is placed in a safe, caring environment. But it is also fair, open, and supportive. We aim to complete the process in 4 to 6 months.

  1. Your Enquiry

    You contact us. We have an informal, no‑obligation chat and send you information. If you want to proceed, we’ll take your initial details.

  2. Initial Visit

    A member of the team visits you at home. Your Journey Guide may also join you. We answer questions, talk through next steps, and see if fostering feels right for you and your family.

  3. Formal Application

    When you’re ready, you complete the application forms.

  4. Checks and references

    Once we receive your application, we will take up references, and a Disclosure & Barring Service check (previously known as a Criminal Record check) and a medical check, if deemed necessary at this stage.

  5. Skills to Foster

    You will be invited to our preparation course (Skills To Foster) — where you will have the opportunity to meet other applicants at the same stage as you, learn key skills, ask anything you want to know. Your Journey Guide will be there to welcome you.

  6. Assessment

    Your social worker visits you several times. They get to know you, your family, your home, and your experience. We carry out: DBS checks for everyone over 18, medical references, employer references, and personal references. You will see and comment on your assessment report before it goes to panel.

  7. Fostering Panel

    Your report is presented. You are invited to attend and meet the panel. They make a recommendation to the Agency Decision Maker (ADM).

  8. Approval

    The ADM makes the final decision. If approved — welcome to the team! Your supervising social worker can now help match you with the first child or young person who will come into your home once you are an approved foster carer.

Support for you every step of the way

When you start your fostering journey, you won’t be navigating it alone. From your very first enquiry through to approval and beyond, you will have a dedicated Journey Guide - someone who is your consistent first port of call, your friendly face, and your steady support.

What do we mean by “Journey Guide”?

Your Journey Guide is not a social worker - they are not assessing you, making decisions, or writing reports. Their role is to be by your side: they are on your team, keeping you informed, encouraged, and connected at every turn.  Because we know that the process of becoming a foster carer will take time and sometimes, you’ll need someone who’s familiar with the process to help you through it – that’s why we have introduced journey guides. 

They are the person who:

  • Answers your call or email promptly - no waiting, no wondering who to speak to
  • Checks in regularly to see how you’re feeling, not just how things are progressing
  • Explains what happens next in plain language, so you always know what to expect
  • Reminds you of dates, times, and what you need to bring - removing the stress of keeping track
  • Celebrates your milestones with you - finishing your training, meeting your panel, receiving your first placement
  • Keeps you feeling welcome, trusted and valued - because you are, from day one
  • Listens if you’re nervous, reassures you if you’re unsure, and encourages you if things start to feel too much
  • Connects you to the right people - social workers, trainers, peer mentors - and makes sure you’re never ‘lost’ in the system

Why This Matters

We know that becoming a foster carer can feel overwhelming. There are forms to complete, checks to arrange, and meetings to attend. So it’s natural to wonder: Am I doing this right? Is this normal? Will I be approved?

Your Journey Guide is there so you always have someone to share your concerns with. They will be  the constant in your journey - the familiar voice, the quick reply, the reassurance that someone is looking out for you.

Everyone who puts their hand up and says ‘yes, I want to be a foster carer’ is important to us.  But providing you with a journey guide we are saying that we want you to know how important you are and that we want you onboard with Black Country Fostering.