Fostering, like any career is a journey, one that involves many stages.No two journeys will be the same, but by highlighting certain examples, we hope at least we can give you an idea of what the initial fostering process will involve.

If at any stage in your decision to become a foster carer, you need any thing clarified or explained, no matter how trivial you think it is, please feel free to call your nearest office and speak to someone, we're here to help.

In general, it takes approximately six months to become a registered Foster Carer, however,depending on circumstances this process can sometimes take as little as three months. All carers will undergo several  checks before they are approved, this will include; a Local Authority check, a medical and a criminal records bureau check. 

To highlight the process' involved in beginning a career in fostering, we asked a couple of our existing carers to share their experiences, this is their story.

Dean & Cynthia.

As a child I had been fostered, so I knew the importance of having good foster carers. Although I'm the main carer, becoming a foster carer is a decision that the whole family has to take, because it is a decision that will affect everyone living in the house. Both Dean and myself discussed at length with the children why we wanted to foster and what they thought of the idea.

The assessment process is very thorough and took us about six months to complete. You will need to be prepared for many questions, going right back into your past, asking about previous relationships and experiences. I found it quite an enlightening and at times emotional experience. All in all, I think we had about thirteen visits from the social worker who was carrying out our assessment. She will talk to everyone who lives in your house, including your children.

Checks are made with the social services department and for all members of the household aged over sixteen. Checks are also carried out with the Criminal records Bureau. You also have to undergo a medical exam from your local GP. Initially, I found it a bit of a nerve wrecking time, I don't know why, but you just feel a little worried that something may go wrong. The social worker was great though, always there to ask any questions and when I needed it, reassure me.

Kevin and Hannah

I can remember being very nervous on the day of panel, we had undergone five months of assessment and completed the three day preparation to foster course so we were keen to get started. We needn't have worried though, the panel which is made up of about six people just asked us a few questions and reviewed our assessment records, we then officially became foster carers. Three weeks later we had our first child, four years later and we've had six children through our doors.

With all the children I try and introduce normality and security back into their lives. My advice to anyone thinking of fostering is to go into it with your eyes open. Accept you are not the child's parent but their carer and understand the role you play in their life. You will need to be diplomatic and understanding.
We've gained so much from being foster carers. It hasn't always been easy but we wouldn't change any of it.

Without our foster carers we wouldn't be able to do our job and many young people would miss out on the chance of a better future. Pathway Care appreciates the effort and dedication that its carers provide and continually seeks to work, listen and respond to their needs and concerns.