How can I become a foster carer?

The first step to becoming a carer is to contact us for more information. We will then send you an information pack which will include an application form.

The assessment process will usually take between four and six months from the time you first apply to knowing whether or not you have been successful.

If you are applying with a partner, you will both be assessed – but even if you apply on your own, all members of your household will be involved in the process. Anchor will fully support you throughout this process.

Once approved as a foster carer, we can also use information gathered during the assessment process to decide which children or young people to ask you to foster.

Assessment Process is as follows;

• Enquiry and informal chat
• An information pack sent to you
• Application form received from you
• Take up references & checks on you and other members of your household
• Assessment process which may last 3-6 months
• Approval process by a panel
• Recommendation by panel to decision maker
• Approval
• The assessment and approval process above involves Anchor's fostering panel

Fostering agencies are required by law to establish Fostering Panels and their composition and functions are specified by regulations and national minimum standards.

The main functions of an Anchor's fosterind Panel are:

• To consider applications to foster and make recommendations about the suitability of applicants. This also includes making recommendations about the number, age range and backgrounds of the children/young people placed with carers
• To review the continued suitability of foster carers
• To provide a quality control function and good professional practice in assessing and supporting foster carers to care for children

Thinking of becoming a carer?

If you are looking for a group of dynamic committed enthusiastic people to work with, then Anchor is the place for you.

 

 

We offer individualised support, supervision and training to carers and young people. We offer a fostering allowance that reflects your professional status as a carer, 30 days respite, a weeks break in summer for the child, day respite when needed by arrangement, “a support package that is next to none...” as one of our carers put it.

 

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