Throughout the process of becoming a foster care, Carolina House Trust will be there to support you every step of the way. We have outlined the basic process to give you an idea of what to expect.
Application Stage
Having completed and returned your Registration of Interest form the recruitment officer will contact you. They will answer any further questions you may have and arrange a home visit. The home visit is a two way discussion that will help you make an informed decision about fostering. Following a home visit we will advise if we think fostering is for you and invite you to make a formal application.
Pre-assessment Training
To help you prepare to become a foster carer you will have to attend our ‘Skills to Foster’ training course which delivers an introduction to fostering and will equip you with information and basic skills. This is also an opportunity to meet other people going through the fostering process.
Assessment Stage
Carolina House Trust will assign a qualified social worker to undertake an assessment of you and your family. Their job will also be to get to know you and your family and find out how you cope with certain situations. We carry out standard checks which are required by law. These include PVG/Disclosure checks, personal references and a medical assessment (performed by your GP).
The Foster Panel
At the end of the assessment your social worker will complete an assessment report – this report will be presented to the Foster Panel. You have the opportunity to read and discuss this report with your social worker. A Foster Panel is a meeting set up under the Looked After Children (Scotland) Regulations 2009. They will consider your assessment and makes recommendations regarding your approval as a foster carer, the ages and number of children you can care for. Together with your social worker you will be invited to attend the Foster Panel to discuss your assessment report. The Foster Panel will make a recommendation which has to be agreed to by the Agency Decision Maker. In Carolina House Trust this is a member of the Board of Directors and they will decide whether or not to accept the Foster Panels recommendations.
Fostering Placement
As an approved foster carer your Carolina House Trust social worker will continue to support and guide you through the fostering placement process. Our aim will be to find a fostering placement that is the right match for you. You will be provided with ongoing support after the child has been placed with you.
The assessment process takes approximately 4-6 months