Our assessment process

It usually takes between four and six months to become a foster carer.  

The assessment process can seem intrusive at first and is very in-depth, but this is because we have a responsibility to make sure you are suitable to care for someone else’s child, and that you’re fully prepared.

If you are already fostering with another agency the process may be different, find out about transferring from another agency.

Here's a quick overview of our process and what to expect, click on a heading to find out more:

Informal enquiry

Getting in touch and arranging a visit to your home.

Assessment

Checks, preparation and training (8-16 weeks).

Approval

Signing a written agreement and ongoing training.

You can also view and print our simple diagram of the process:

• Our fostering process (PDF 70KB)