The foster care approval process is made up of several stages, and by knowing what to expect for each of them, we can help prepare you for the process and minimise delays.
How Long It Typically Takes
The process can take anywhere from 4-6 months in Wales for applicants to go through the full process of approval from initial enquiry to the Foster Panel deciding on your approval for foster care.
The Main Stages
The fostering process includes the initial enquiry, the home visit, the home study (Form F), the Fostering Panel meeting and the final registration of the approval.
What Slows Things Down
The most common causes of delay in the assessment process are missing documentation. This includes references, DBS checks and medical reports. A gap in your employment history or a complex household may also mean that the assessment takes longer to complete.
What to Do While You Wait
Use your waiting time to complete any training recommended by your Assessor, gain more knowledge about attachment and the children’s development and implement any recommended changes to your home from your Home Assessor.
Independent Agencies Versus the Local Authority
Independent fostering agencies can work more quickly than the local authority as they have their own assessors and can be more flexible in the time that they have.
For Foster Care Newport, visit https://saferfostering.org.uk/foster-care-wales/newport.
How Wales Regulates the Process
Fostering is regulated in Wales by the Welsh Government. All fostering agencies, whether local authority or independent, are approved to approve foster carers within the framework of these regulations and work to the same set of standards within the approval process for foster carers.
Going in well-prepared will make everyone’s life a lot easier!
