A step by step guide to becoming a Newham foster carer

If you are interested in fostering, find out more by reading the step by step guide below:

Step One - Find out if you are eligible to become a foster carer by reading the Fostering: your questions answered page, then make your initial enquiry via our online form or telephone (0800 0130 393). We will speak to you and answer any questions you may have about fostering with Newham Fostering Service and ask you about your circumstances. If you like what you hear and we think you meet our basic criteria, we will then arrange an initial home visit.

Step Two - At the initial visit we will run through in detail what we are looking for in a foster carer. You will be able to ask any questions about fostering a child and the assessment process. If we think you have the potential to become a foster carer and you like what you hear, we will invite you to attend the next fostering preparation group.

Step Three - The preparation group training gives you an opportunity to meet other prospective foster carers and explore in detail what it means to you and your family to foster a child. The preparation group training forms part of your assessment and lasts for three days. At the end of the three days we will ask you to complete an application form so that we can start the assessment process.

Step Four - Your completed application form is the start of your formal application to become a foster carer.

Step Five - The Assessment process begins with taking up checks and references. These include employment, medical and police checks. Personal references will also be taken from your friends and family on your suitability to foster a child. These checks are a legal requirement and are to safeguard the children.

Step Six - The process continues until your assessment report (this is called a Form F) is completed and presented to the Fostering Panel by your assessing social worker. The Fostering Panel consists of a group of professionals from health care and social work backgrounds and independent people who have experience of fostering or the care system. You are invited to attend the Panel. The Panel's role is to consider the report and decide whether to recommend your approval as a Newham foster carer. Their recommendation is then passed to the Agency Decision Maker, the Divisional Director for Safeguarding, who will make the final decision on behalf of the service.

Step Seven - The Agency Decision Maker confirms the Fostering Panel's recommendation and you are now an approved foster carer.

Our aim is that the above assessment process will take no longer than four to six months from the date we receive your completed application form.

Step Eight - Once you have been approved as a Newham foster carer, you will be allocated your own social worker from the Fostering Team who will support you in your fostering career. The children or young people that you will be caring for will have their own social worker. Your details will also be passed to our Placements and Monitoring team. This is the team that will be matching you with a child or children that need a foster placement.

Step Nine - When you first become a foster carer, we will pay you a setting up grant to make sure you are properly equipped for when a child or young person is placed with you. You will be paid a weekly allowance to cover the child's costs and we pay our foster carers a weekly fee for themselves and this increases as you develop your knowledge, skills and experience. We offer an extensive ongoing training and development programme to all foster carers and ongoing support from other professionals.