What help is provided?
Before you are accepted as a carer you will receive initial preparation and training as part of the assessment process. The next section 'Information on Assessment' will tell you more about this process. Once you have been accepted as a carer you will receive 'Induction Training' as a new carer. You will then be expected to take part in ongoing training and support groups to develop both your knowledge and skills in your role as a carer. Experienced carers play an important role on the ongoing training and support of other foster carers.
As a foster carer you will have a named ‘Link Worker’, who is an experienced social worker whose job it is to support you and your family in the care and support of children who are placed with your family.
Any child in your care will have their own social worker. This person will be responsible for the ‘Care Plan’ for that child. The social worker will meet regularly with both you and the child. It is a legal requirement that the child and the carer are visited by the social worker. The visits will include at least one unannounced visit each year.