The Process

If you feel that you have the time and space to provide a child with support and stability, and understand what fostering involves, then register your interest with us. We will telephone you for an initial discussion. We will assess whether you meet our basic criteria, such as having sufficient space and time. We will also answer any questions that you have.

A worker from the Recruitment and Assessment Team will contact you to arrange a meeting in your home or at the office. If you have not heard from us then please contact us to arrange this appointment on 0800 279 9850.

On the initial visit, we will ask you questions about your background, skills and experience and your reasons for wanting to become a foster carer. We will also assess your living space to see if you have room to accommodate a child.

Following our visit, we'll decide together whether you are in a position to go ahead with the fostering application. We will advise you of this decision in writing.

You will be asked to have a medical examination completed by your GP, and we will need at least two personal references and a health and safety check of your home.

We will carry out checks with the Criminal Records Bureau, Social Services, Housing and Education. As intimidating as this may sound, it's important to remember that our first responsibility is to ensure that the children in our care are safe.

This social worker will be responsible for your Assessment Report and will answer any questions that you may have throughout the process.

Your social worker will visit you and your family regularly over a period of three to four months in order to help you prepare for fostering and complete an Assessment Report. As part of the Assessment, you will be asked to attend preparation training where you will meet other people who are also being assessed.

The social worker will write a report recommending whether you should or should not become an approved foster carer. You will have the opportunity to read the report and say whether you agree with it.

You will be invited to attend a Fostering Panel, which consists of ten members, some from Tower Hamlets Social Care and a number of independent members. They'll recommend whether to approve you as a foster carer and what ages and number of children or young people you can foster. The decision will also be sent to you in writing.

After you have been approved, you will be transferred to the Fostering Development Team. Your supervising social worker will ensure that you receive the equipment such as beds and bedding and information which will allow you to start your fostering career.

All foster carers undertake regular training to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to meet the needs of the children in your care. You will be invited to participate in various training events and sessions to equip you with the skills required to help a child. There are regular peer support groups and someone you can contact 24 hours a day for help and advice.