Fostering Panel and Approval
Before you join our FCA Scotland family, you’ll need to be approved by our fostering panel first.
How does the fostering panel work?
The fostering panel will take place at a venue local to you. It takes the form of a meeting made up of about eight or nine independent panel members who have related experience. At the meeting they will sit down together to look through your Form F to discuss the type of fostering placement that’s right for you and make recommendations about the suitability to be approved as a foster carer with FCA Scotland. During panel you’ll be encouraged to share your views and expectations. Your assessing social worker will be there to support you so you won’t be on your own.
FAQs
How long is the fostering panel?
Panels last an hour or so, you’ll be informed of their recommendation right away. Potential foster carers will be informed of the recommendation of panel on the day and this recommendation will inform the decision of the agency. Sometimes the panel can recommend that someone needs a bit more time to prepare to foster. If this happens we’ll provide help with further training and support.
What happens when I’m approved?
Upon approval you are legally able to care for a young person. Once you’ve signed a Foster Carer Agreement you’ll be allocated a supervising social worker who will take you forward. You are then ready to take your first child or young person.
When does my first placement start?
This depends on many factors, such as on your personal circumstances, how soon we can find a child or young person that’s right for you and vice versa making sure we doing the right thing for everyone involved. We get new referrals from local authorities every day, so you might not have to wait very long.
You’ll be in regular contact with your supervising social worker and they’ll discuss the needs of the young person before they’re placed with you, you will also have the opportunity to ask any questions. Your supervising social worker will organise wherever possible for you to meet the child before. We want to make this transition as comfortable and as smooth as possible for you and your family.
Who can apply to become a foster carer?
Anyone can apply to foster with us. We welcome foster carers from all walks of life; no matter what your gender, age, race or sexual orientation. We do have criteria though:
- You need a spare room
- You need to be over 21
- You need to have British Citizenship or permanent leave to stay in the UK
More questions?
Learn more about the fostering process, from application through to approval.
Other steps on your journey to fostering
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