If you’re reading this, then you’ve already made the very first step in your fostering journey, finding out information. Becoming a foster carer is a big decision, and we encourage you to take your time, do your research and gather as much information as you can. Our friendly team are always happy to speak to new carers and experienced carers alike to answer their questions and offer guidance.

So, if you want to learn more information or kick start your application, all you need to do is contact our friendly team online, by phone 03301 239355 or email info@fusionfostering.com. This simple enquiry is all it takes to begin your journey with us, we’ll be on hand to guide you throughout the entire process. So, although it may seem scary, we guarantee that Fusion Fostering can support your decision 100%.

After we have had an initial casual chat and provided you with information, the next step will be to organise a home visit. A member of the Fusion Fostering Social Care team will visit you and provide you with an enquiry pack and relevant forms. This is the perfect opportunity for us to get to know you better, to answer any questions you may have and make sure you feel comfortable with taking the next steps. We will talk you through the different types of foster care, your expectations and the kind of carers we are looking for.

If we both feel happy for you to proceed, you will be invited to a “Skills to Foster Training Course”. This course is compulsory for all applicants and will help you to make an informed decision as to if fostering is right for you and your family. It will also help us to discover what skills you already have and identify areas for support as well as providing you with all the essential skills to begin your fostering career.

After the course, you will need to return all relevant documentation to us, allowing us to formally begin the assessment process. This is called a Form F Assessment. It involves statutory checks as well as regular meetings and home checks. We understand that this may feel intrusive, but it is necessary to ensure positive outcomes for our foster children and to ensure you will be entirely happy in the role! We promise to be as discreet and sensitive as possible during this time.

The type of references and checks we will carry out include:

• Disclosure and barring service checks (DBS)
• Local authority checks
• Medical records and reports from your GP
• Personal references from supplied referees
• References from previous employers
• A full safety check of your home including any pets
• Criminal record check

A member of the Social Care team will also visit your home on several occasions over a period of 3-5 months. They will enquire about your personal history and family as well as your health and any other factors that may affect your performance as a foster carer.

Once complete, the Form F Assessment will be presented to the Fusion Fostering Panel who will review your application in full and take into consideration all applicable factors. The panel will then make a recommendation based on all the information presented to them regarding if they believe you are appropriate to foster or not. The final step to becoming an approved foster carer, once all documentation is presented along with the minutes produced from panel, is down to the Agency Decision Maker (ADM). They will make a decision regarding your suitability to become an approved foster carer with Fusion Fostering.