It is important that you understand the process to become a foster carer. We will work closely through this with you. It can take up to six months, but depends on your circumstances.
Step 1 - Contact us
Let us know you are interested in fostering through our online form:
Other ways to contact us:
- Email: fostering@calderdale.gov.uk.
- Phone: 01422 266020 (Monday to Friday).
- Attend an upcoming event.
Step 2 - Home visit
A member of our team will contact you within two working days of hearing from you.
If you meet our requirements, we will make an appointment to come and visit you at home. The visit will cover fostering in more detail and give you the chance to ask questions.
Step 3 - Complete an application
After a positive initial visit, we will send you an application pack to complete and return. This starts the formal process and we will be there to give you any support that you need.
When we get your application, we will do statutory checks, which include:
- DBS check (For everyone over 18 in the home).
- A medical.
- References.
- Council checks.
Step 4 - Skills to Foster workshop
You will be invited to attend a fostering preparation and training group with other applicants. If you are part of a couple, you will both need to attend.
This workshop runs over three sessions, led by our staff and foster carers. It is a great chance to find out about fostering in much more detail.
Step 5 - Formal assessment
During the assessment, your social worker will visit you several times. They will cover everything that is involved with fostering and how it will impact you and your family.
They will produce a report and give a recommendation that you can comment on. This will be formally considered by an independent panel.
The panel will recommend on:
- Whether your application should be approved.
- The age and number of young people you can foster.
- The type of fostering most suitable.
This is considered by our Agency Decision Maker who makes the final decision.
You will hear the panel's recommendations on the day of panel. The final decision can take up to ten working days from the date of the panel.