5 steps to fostering

Your fostering journey starts with a simple conversation. You might feel a mix of emotions reaching out to us in the beginning - nervous, excited, unsure, but we are here to answer all your questions. No pressure, no judgment – just friendly, honest advice and information.

We know the decision to foster is not something that happens overnight. The journey might start with a seed of an idea and need time to take root. 

Some applicants have young children and want to wait until they are grown, others want the experience of having foster children whilst their own children are growing up. Others do not have any children! There is not a right or wrong time to speak with us – we are happy to have an initial conversation and then keep in touch until you are ready t take your enquiry further.

Gloucestershire County Council is part of ‘Fostering South West’ – a regional hub that helps Councils in the South West to recruit foster carers. They might be the first people you speak with if you call 01242 532654. They know GCC fostering inside out and will be able to answer any initial questions you have. They will complete a quick survey with you before they pass you to the safe hands of GCC’s Fostering Recruitment Team, (based in Gloucester).

Typically, the assessment will start with a home visit from our fostering recruitment team to learn more about you and dig a little deeper into what fostering involves. If at the end of this visit you feel ‘ready’ we will start an application and begin standard checks, references and a medical.

Your dedicated social worker will visit you regularly, which helps us understand your strengths and vulnerabilities, how best to support you and your family, and ensures safety for everyone involved. The assessment process takes approximately six months.

The assessment process is not a one-size-fits-all approach. As well as statutory requirements, the assessment is also guided by you. Here are some of the main aspects of the assessment process:

• We aim to be flexible and approachable throughout, and accommodate your desired pace, and any questions or concerns you have at any stage.
• The initial home visit is informal, relaxed, and designed to help us get to know each other better and help you decide if fostering is right for you and your family. Normally we will start the application form with you at this point, however, depending on your individual circumstances, we might email you the application form and visit you later.
• The assessment is a robust and detailed review of your capacity, resilience and suitability to care for the most vulnerable children in our society. 
• Some things will happen at the same time as the assessment (see Step 3 – Training) as some actions take a while to complete, for example a medical or reaching out to friends and family for references.
• Please do not be worried that we will rule you out because of difficult things that have happened in your life. Often, challenging times will give you something to draw from during your fostering journey.
• Six months may sound like a long time, but it gives applicants time to prepare, and us time to ensure the role of foster carer is right for you.

After the initial visit we will also recommend you attend our ‘Skills to Foster’ training which is six practical sessions, led by experienced social workers and foster carers. This will give you an introduction to the skills and knowledge needed to provide exceptional therapeutic care for our children and young people.

The Skills to Foster training (updated by The Fostering Network in 2025), is child-centered, relationship-based, and trauma-informed. It incorporates the following sessions: What children need, Fostering relationships, A protective and loving home, Therapeutic care, Supporting identity, and Transitions and endings. There will plenty of opportunities to ask questions and to reflect on the training with your dedicated social worker.

Your finalised assessment will be presented to an independent fostering panel. They’ll interview you (with your social worker) and make a recommendation to our Agency Decision Maker (Head of Fostering Service) who will then make the final decision. 

Once approved – congratulations, you’re ready to start making a difference to the lives of local children and young people!

The culmination of the fostering assessment is our recommendation to the fostering panel that you are approved as a foster carer.

There are currently 24 members of the fostering panel who are diverse in gender, age, nationality, skills and background. Their role is to review all the details of your application, to raise any questions they have concerning your application with you, and to give you a chance to reiterate why you wish to become a foster carer.

Your social worker will be present and will introduce you to the panel. It is an important step in the process and the result is not a foregone conclusion. You might feel nervous, but we will give you guidance and support to help you relax and be yourself. You will find out on the day of the panel what its recommendation will be and receive written confirmation shortly after.

As soon as you are approved as a fostering household, we will look to match your specific family dynamic, skills and approval terms with a child in care who needs a loving home. 

Your first foster child is an important and exciting part of your fostering journey, but don’t worry, we will continue to support you every step of the way. From regular visits, local support groups, further training, events and more –we will help you flourish in our fostering family as you nurture the potential of the children in your care.