Next Steps...

Open Evening

You can attend one of our open evenings where you can find out more about Fostering with Northamptonshire County Council. There will be opportunities to talk to experienced foster carers, social workers and see details of children needing your support. 

Initial Assessment Visit

If we agree that it is right to go to the next step we will arrange a visit with you / your partner in your home to discuss your personal circumstances. During this visit we will discuss your enquiry in detail and there will be an opportunity to ask further questions.

Preparation Training

To help you develop your skills and knowledge to become a competent Foster Carer you will attend training. The Preparation Training is based on adult learning methods and consists of a mixture of presentation from staff and group discussions, which draw on personal experience. Put formal teaching to the back of your minds and don’t even think about exams!

Assessment

After the Preparation training you will be allocated a social worker who will undertake an assessment.

The assessment process is a way of finding out about your potential as a foster carer.  Children and young people who are fostered are very vulnerable and we have to make sure that the people who look after them will keep them safe. 

The assessment process will help us and yourselves to decide which children/young people you may be able to care for.  Your assessing social worker will need to get to know a lot about you and the members of your household.  We aim to complete your assessment within 16 weeks.

Following your assessment a report will be presented to a fostering panel that will consider your application.