How to Become a Foster Carer

Please get in touch with us by completing the Call Back Request form on the website. Alternatively, you can email us directly at info@sunbeamfosteringnorthwest.com or by calling 07946 599694 (Mobile) or 01254 311322 (Landline).

We will follow up and provide you with a detailed Guide to Fostering that you can read and explore at your convenience.

A member of our team will contact you for an initial phone call to discuss your interest in fostering, answer any early questions, and check a few basic requirements, such as whether you have a spare room. This first conversation is simply a friendly introduction, so there’s no need to feel nervous about what you say or ask.

Following the call, we can arrange a convenient time for a video chat or a home visit to continue the process.

This extended meeting, lasting up to two hours, gives us the opportunity to explore your interest in fostering in more depth. We’ll discuss your preferences, your experience, and the full assessment process, as well as the support you would receive from Sunbeam Fostering Northwest.

During the conversation, we’ll go through the criteria for becoming a foster carer, what the role involves, and each stage of the journey ahead. The meeting can take place either in your home or via a video call, whichever is most convenient for you.

After your initial visit, if you decide to proceed with fostering, we’ll provide you with an application form to complete at your own pace. Our team will be available to support you and answer any questions along the way.

Completing this form marks the official start of your fostering application and assessment journey.

Once you’ve completed your fostering application form, you’ll be assigned a dedicated and experienced fostering assessor. They will arrange a series of home visits or video calls to get to know you, learn about your circumstances, and assess your suitability to foster in line with fostering regulations.

During this stage, your assessor will work with you to complete a detailed assessment report, known as a Form F. This document covers your background, family life, experience, skills, and other relevant areas. The process is collaborative and reflective, and you will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and share your thoughts throughout.

As part of the assessment, essential checks and references, including DBS, local authority checks, medicals, and personal references, will also be completed.

Alongside your assessment, you’ll be invited to take part in our Skills to Foster training course. Delivered by experienced trainers at Sunbeam Fostering Northwest, this course provides a comprehensive introduction to fostering and helps prepare you for the journey ahead.

The panel is made up of experienced fostering professionals from a range of backgrounds, all focused on ensuring the best outcomes for children. You won’t be on your own, our team will fully prepare you beforehand, explaining what to expect and guiding you through every step.

We’ll contact you ahead of the meeting to talk everything through in detail, making sure you feel confident, informed, and supported. 

The Agency Decision Maker reviews your full assessment and the panel’s recommendation independently before making the final decision on your approval. 

Once the Agency Decision Maker has approved your application following the panel review, you will officially become newly approved foster carers - congratulations! This is a truly meaningful milestone, and we’re delighted to welcome you into the Sunbeam Fostering Northwest family.

Your supervising social worker will begin providing ongoing support right away. This includes arranging any training you may need, helping you feel confident, prepared, and ready for your first fostering placement. They will also visit you to formally welcome you, answer any questions, and ensure you feel fully supported as you begin your fostering journey.