Becoming a foster carer is a very big decision, so don’t be afraid to find out more – without being hassled.
Apply Now
Initial Visit
Once you have registered your interest to become a foster carer with Safehouses we will arrange a visit. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions about fostering with us, and we’ll be able to meet you and your family.
Telephone call: 01457 82911
Email: admin@safehousesfostering.org.uk
Visit: The Fleece, 41 Oldham Road
Denshaw, Oldham, OL3 5SS
Skills To Foster Course
To find out if foster care is right for you, we run a pre-assessment training course.
Assessment
Due to the unique nature of fostering, the application process, from initial enquiry to approval, can take up to six months.
Panel
Approved Foster Carer.
Fostering Allowance
Find out how much allowance you could receive as a foster carer with Safehouses.
How long does it take?
The Application Process can take up to six months.
Why so long?
A career as a Foster Carer is life-changing for you, your family and friends. You will need time to discuss everything, and to feel prepared for these changes. Due to the unique nature of fostering, health, safety and DBS checks have to be particularly thorough.
Do we have to attend training?
The important Skills to Foster Course is mandatory.
How will I know if fostering is right for me?
The Skills to Foster course will help you understand the many skills involved in fostering.
Safehouses Fostering will work closely with you to ensure that you feel supported and have all the information you need to evaluate whether fostering is right for you and your family.
What happens next?
If, after the Skills to Foster training course, you decide that you would like to become a foster carer with Safehouses, the next stage is the Assessment Process.
Approval
- Your Safehouses Fostering assessing social worker will visit you and get to know you. He/she will complete a Form F Report, which is all about you and your suitability to become a foster carer.
- All this information will be presented to the Safehouses Fostering Panel, who will from the evidence decide whether to approve you as a Foster Carer. The Panel comprises various professionals and also independent social workers.
After Approval
You will be sent a letter and a contract.
The contract states the criteria approved by the Fostering Panel:
The number of children you can foster
Dependent on several factors: your preference, number of bedrooms available, support network etc
The ages of the children you can foster
This is influenced by your preference and by the ages of your own children
Form F is an essential tool for Local Authorities in identifying placements for their Cared For Children.
The Form F will be condensed into a Foster Carer Profile, and this will be shared with Local Authorities when appropriate referrals are received. This means that Safehouses can ensure the children needing placement are suitably matched with you.
Your Foster Care Approval
Your Foster Care Approval will be reviewed:
- Initially within the first six months
- Annually
- If there is a significant change in your personal circumstances
- If a complaint or allegation is received
This is undertaken by the Carer Review Process.