Fostering and adoption is an important task. North Lincolnshire council will entrust vulnerable children and young people to your care. This council has a duty to satisfy itself that you can offer youngsters a safe and caring environment. That's why becoming an approved foster carer takes time - at least six months.
- If you are interested in becoming a carer or just want to know more you can obtain an information pack about adoption and fostering in North Lincolnshire.
- Within a few days you will receive by post an information pack with details of different aspects of adoption and foster care. Read it and think things over. Although the rewards can be enormous this represents a serious commitment. You'll need to talk things over with relatives and friends. Remember adoption or fostering will involve all members of your household.
- If you decide you want to apply to become a carer contact the team who will arrange for a Family Placement Officer to visit you in your home. They will be able to answer any further questions you may have about the process and how to continue with your application, if you so wish.
- When you have made a decision to proceed contact the Family Placement Officer who will send you a registration form, police check form and a medical enquiry consent form which you need to complete and return to the Adoption and Fostering team as soon as possible.
- We ask the police to carry out checks which will reveal any convictions you may have. You will also be asked for proof of identity and may be asked to have a health check.
- The Family Placement Officer will then initiate all the statutory agency references and keep you informed of the progress.
- Once all these checks and references have been returned and there are no problems or concerns, you are invited to preparation sessions where you find out about adoption or foster care in more depth. You'll meet other people going through the same process as well as experienced adopters and foster carers.
It may seem like it’s taking a long time. Relax and keep going!
- After the preparation course, if you wish to continue, you may be invited to complete an application form which will include all of your personal details and two personal referees.
- By now you'll have met the Family Placement Officer that will work with you on your assessment. They'll explain the skills and qualities that carers need to have and help you think through how you can demonstrate that you've got what it takes.
- The Family Placement Officer meets with you regularly to discuss a wide range of issues relating to the needs of children. You discuss the number and age of the children and young people you may look after.
- The Family Placement Officer writes a report based on information about you - much of which you have helped to collect. It outlines your skills and areas where you may need special preparation and support.
Almost there...
- Our Adoption or Fostering panel which is responsible for approving new carers considers the report. You may be invited to be there.
- The panel either approves your application or does not approve it. (If not discuss why with the social worker. You may be suitable to re-apply in the future).
- If your application is approved you'll receive more information and some training opportunities.
- You will meet up with the Family Placement Officer that will be your main link to the team.