Fostering with HSC NI Foster Care
Personal preparation
Do a little of your own foster care research by reading some books on the subjects, absorbing the profiles of our foster care community, and chatting to us to answer any initial questions you might have.
Contact us
We are here to help you; via our online enquiry form, or over the phone. Just get in touch and our foster care recruitment team can help you to get started.
Receive a call from a social worker from your local team
Within two days of your contact with us, a social worker from one of our local teams will contact you to take you through the next steps and offer you support with any queries you have.
Meet with your local foster care social worker in your own home
Once your social worker has made an initial call to you, you can expect to meet with your social worker within ten days. This is your opportunity to ask questions and to find out more about the process of becoming a foster carer.
Preparation course (Skills to Foster)
All enquirers will be invited to attend a preparation course to educate on all aspects of foster care. This course will help you consider keys areas of being a foster carer including learning about why children come into care and how to prepare for a child coming to your home.
You should have all the information you need to complete and submit your full application to foster.
Social work interviews
At this stage you will meet with your allocated social worker who will undertake a ‘strength based’ assessment of your background, your support network, your lifestyle, your skills and experience, your relationships, and your family set up.
Foster Care Panel
An assessment report in respect of your application will be presented by your social worker to the Foster Care Panel on your behalf. This will be both verbal and written. The content will be shared with you prior to Panel, with your views fully represented. You will be invited to attend the Foster Care Panel and we would encourage you to do so.
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If you think you could offer a child or young person a safe and secure home through foster care or would simply like to find out more about what is involved, please get in touch.
We have an experienced and dedicated fostering team who are ready to answer any of your questions and to help you every step of the way.
Call HSC NI Adoption & Foster Care on 0800 0720 137 or make an online enquiry.