Fostering is a transformational, life-changing decision.

Could you provide a stable and welcoming home environment, where a foster child can flourish?

Can you provide patience, support, resilience and love?

The foster carer journey begins

Your fostering journey can begin at any stage of life and it’s a thoughtful, structured process. It typically takes four-to-six months and consists of six main steps, starting with an initial enquiry. Once you reach out to Foster with CANW, you’ll receive an Information Pack outlining all you need to know about fostering. A member of the fostering team will then arrange an initial contact visit, offering you the chance to ask questions and discuss next steps.

Building a picture

If you choose to proceed, you’ll complete an Application Form, which signals the beginning of the formal assessment and training. This involves a comprehensive assessment by a Supervising Social Worker, including statutory checks and training, to confirm your suitability as a foster carer. The assessment, known as Form F, looks at your background, relationships, support network, family circumstances (including all household members) and finances. It also explores your family life and experiences, helping to identify any further training or support you might need.

Statutory checks include an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, Local Authority checks, employer references (especially from roles involving children or vulnerable adults), personal references from people who have known you for at least five years, and school reports for children in your home. There are also medical checks from your GP, overseas checks if relevant, and checks regarding ex-partners, grown-up children, and children from previous relationships.

Fostering Panel

After the assessment, you’ll review the report with your social worker, before meeting the Fostering Panel. This panel, made up of independent professionals and CANW staff, will discuss your application with you and your social worker, giving you a final opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns.

Skills for fostering

A vital part of the process is the two-day ‘Skills to Foster’ training course. Here you will learn about the responsibilities and expectations of fostering, meet foster carers and professionals, and ask any questions.

Finding the ideal match

Once approved, CANW helps to find the right match, working with Local Authorities to identify children or sibling groups in need of care. The matching process considers factors like how close you are to the school, siblings, age, background and any additional needs. If you’re seen as a suitable match, we will contact you to discuss the placement in detail. You are never obliged to accept a placement. If you agree to a placement, CANW and the Local Authority will plan introductions and support the child or children’s move into your home. A supervising social worker will help you all settle in and arrange any extra support or activities needed.

Every fostering journey starts with an initial enquiry. To do this, you can fill out the enquiry form on our website, call our dedicated fostering team on 01254 244700 or email us at fostering@canw.org.uk.

You can find out more at https://canw.org.uk/what-we-do/fostering/about-fostering/