First Steps into Fostering

We know that it can be daunting to take your first steps in fostering. Typically people have been thinking about it for many years and then something triggers them into wanting to take action. Maybe the time becomes the right time for you or perhaps you have birth children leaving for university. Maybe you just simply know you want to make a difference in a young person’s life.

We understand that it can take a lot to pick up that phone or send that message and that it can be daunting to take the steps in making an enquiry. We at Mosaic want to equip you will the confidence to know that you are doing what is right for you and your family!

Maybe you are nervous that enquiring is some form of commitment. Mosaic we don’t work like that. At Mosaic Foster Care, we do all we can to put your mind at rest and make your enquiry into fostering a pleasant and interesting one. It’s all about us helping you make an informed decision.

What happens first?

In that initial conversation, we simply have a chat to make sure you meet our basic criteria. This includes having a spare bedroom, no children under the age of 12 at home, a good command of the English language, a car and a good support network along with an open mind and heart for a young person. You will learn a lot about fostering and what it could mean for you. Some people have experience in fostering and relatively in-depth knowledge of what it entails; others are starting their journey from scratch.

This conversation is also for you to ask as many questions as you like. Debbie who is the person who will come to visit you has actually been a foster parent herself so she has an inside knowledge of what it is like and is not afraid to answer the questions you may be nervous to ask! We suggest you write them down in advance so that you don’t forget anything. We’ve heard most of them before and there is no such thing as a stupid question.

5 Steps

5 Steps to Become 
a Foster Parent

Make an enquiry

One of our experienced fostering team will contact you via phone or email once your enquiry has been received. Please note,
there is no commitment at this stage.

A face-to-face meeting

A team member will arrange to meet you (and your partner/children if appropriate) at your home, to talk you through the fostering process and discuss the support on offer at Mosaic, while assessing the suitability of your home. If successful, you will be invited to make an application.

Application and checks

During the application process, you will undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Local Authority checks. References are required along with a medical report from your local GP (the cost of the medical check-up will be subsidised by Mosaic).

Assessment

You are then allocated a social worker who will visit your home over a 12-week period to learn about your potential fostering skills. The aim is to learn more about your own background, your childhood experiences, education, past employment and views on parenting. We also offer ‘Skills to Foster’ courses and continued post-approval training following the assessment.

Approval process

An assessment report will be written by your social worker which you can read and correct where necessary. A fostering panel will then review your report and invite you, and your social worker, to answer any additional questions in person. You will then find out if your application has been successful.

Want to take those first steps into fostering now?