Once you express an interest in becoming a foster carer, you enter a process that will consider your suitability to care for Lewisham’s children. Every precaution has to be taken to ensure the safety and welfare of any child placed with a foster carer. This means we undertake a variety of checks and references, and complete an in-depth assessment which can at times seem intrusive.
Step 1
You can contact us using the details below.
We will be happy to answer any questions you may have or give you any further information you require.
Step 2
We will send you an information pack, in which there is a reply slip that you return to us if you are still interested. This then gives us permission to begin the checks that we need.
Step 3
We will then contact you to complete an initial telephone interview.
Step 4
A member of the fostering team will visit you at home to discuss fostering in more detail, and look at the space you have available for a foster child. We can also answer any questions you may have.
Step 5
If you wish to proceed, you will be invited to attend a three day training for prospective foster carers. You will meet some members of the fostering team and one of our foster carers.
If you then feel that fostering is for you, and we feel you have the skills and abilities we need, you will proceed onto your assessment.
Step 6
Your social worker will complete a comprehensive assessment including discussions about your background, experiences, parenting ability and qualities you bring to fostering. Together with your social worker you will provide evidence of your ability to care for babies, children or young people, this will also involve your children (where applicable). We will also contact adult children who have left home and ex-partners with regards to your fostering application. You will be asked to complete some ‘homework’ tasks, which your social worker will support you in.
Other checks such as criminal record, probation, finance and health assessments will also be undertaken as part of the assessment. You will read the final report and sign it before it is presented to our panel.
Step 7
The assessment is then presented for consideration by the Fostering Panel. The panel is made up of 6 or more people from a range of different professions, who, based on the assessment will reach a decision as to whether you are suitable to foster. You and your social worker will be invited to attend the panel.
If you are approved by the Fostering Panel you will then be registered as a foster carer. We can then place a baby, child or young person in your care.