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Fostering information

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How to apply

North Lincolnshire Council are recruiting foster carers for children of all ages but currently have a need for foster carers who can help support children aged 11+, sibling groups and children seeking asylum.

Foster carers must be at least 21 years old and be in good health, both physically and mentally. Fostering is demanding but also incredibly rewarding and our application process ensures that each applicant can effectively and confidently manage the pressures of fostering a young individual.

To apply or transfer to us, please complete our online expression of interest form.

Express an interest in fostering

The application process

The predicted application timescale, from application to approval, is around six months. However, if you are an existing foster carer within an agency or another local authority wishing to transfer to North Lincolnshire Council, our team will be able to fast track your application.

Stage one

  • Complete our online expression of interest form
  • A phone call with a member of our expert fostering team, made within five working days, to provide further information
  • An allocated assessment worker will make an initial home visit, ideally arranged within seven working days
  • Your allocated assessment worker will undertake a thorough assessment of the household whilst providing ongoing support and advice. This will typically be completed within four months from application
  • Statutory applicant checks. North Lincolnshire Council are legally obliged to carry out statutory checks which include DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service), medical reports, three personal references and a family member reference, and checks from current and previous local authorities
  • Additional checks will also be completed which include NSPCC, health visiting service, employer’s reference, previous partners (in discussion with each individual applicant) and interview with any children
  • Invited to attend mandatory Skills to Foster training.

Stage two

  • Regular one-to-one support and guidance with your allocated assessment worker to complete an individual assessment report
  • Completion of the assessment report which outlines your assessment worker’s recommendation for approval. Each applicant will have the opportunity to view and add any comments to their report
  • Attendance at a fostering panel alongside your dedicated assessment worker to present the assessment report, comments and statutory checks. Following each fostering panel a recommendation will be made to the ADM (Agency Decision Maker)
  • The ADM will consider all of the information from the fostering panel and make a final decision within five working days. The final decision will be made both verbally and in writing by the assessment worker
  • Once approved you will be allocated a dedicated fostering social worker to support you throughout your fostering journey. You will also receive induction training and a foster carer’s handbook
  • Our expert fostering team will start to match you with local children based on care plans and your individual recommendation.

Already a foster carer?

We welcome enquiries from existing foster carers who are registered with independent agencies or other local authorities.

Foster carers transfer to us for the following reasons:

  • We want to keep children local, so will always look to place them with North Lincolnshire Council foster carers
  • We look after children aged 0-18, so offer a very wide matching range
  • Support and training is all local, and our service has a real ‘family feel’
  • Plenty of local peer support from other local foster carers
  • Our competitive allowances of up to £550 per week per child, plus expenses

Contact

fostering@northlincs.gov.uk

01724 297000

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