How to become a foster carer

Step 1: Find out about fostering

Some people tell us that they have been thinking about fostering for many years. Offering a safe and loving home to a young person is incredibly rewarding and we would encourage you to get in touch for an informal chat and to find out more.

You can:

Complete our online contact form
Find us on Facebook @homeeastmidlands
Come along to one of our information events*.

* Dates TBC

Step 2: Book an initial visit

After you’ve spoken to us, you can book an initial visit. We will visit you at home or video call, to talk in more detail about you and your interest in fostering or providing supported lodgings.

Our regional team can offer support and information throughout this time.

If you feel ready to progress and your application has been accepted, you will be invited on to stage 1 of the process.

Stage 1: Checks, references and training
Stage 2: Social worker allocation and training
Stage 3: Approval and matching

Stage 1: Checks, references and training

Takes approximately 2 months.

Checks and references are requested.

Initial training takes place. This runs flexibly to allow for working hours, etc.

“I wasn’t looking forward to training as I thought it might be like being at school, but it was relaxed and so interesting and it was good to meet others doing the same too”.

Darren – Leicestershire county council foster carer

Stage 2: Social worker allocation and training

Takes approximately 4 months.

You’ll be allocated a social worker who will visit you at home. They will find out more about you and help to find the fostering route you’re most suited to.

Further training explores fostering in more depth. You’ll have the opportunity to hear from children in care and other foster carers too.

“We were all worried how it would work. But when our first foster children came to stay with us, all the training fell into place and although there have been some good and bad days, we’re so glad we took the step and especially with our local authority”.

Greg and David, Leicestershire county council foster carers

Stage 3: Approval and matching

Your application will be taken to panel. This is where you will hopefully become an approved foster carer.

Through getting to know you and the skills you have to offer, you will be matched with the right child or young person(s) to start your fostering journey.

Approval is the end of the application process but the beginning of an amazing journey as a foster carer for young refugees.

If you’re thinking about fostering then you’re already half way there to being a good carer. The Council will support you brilliantly with the other half.

Sarah and John, Desford.