Becoming a Carer
Last updated | 28/10/2008
Once you have told us you are interested in becoming a carer, what happens next?
- You will undergo a thorough selection procedure to explore what aspect of caring is right for you and, where appropriate, your family. A social worker will visit you and discuss relevant issues including the support received by carers. You will also be given help to complete a detailed application form. This assessment is designed to identify the relevant caring skills you already have and those that need further development. It also ensures only suitable people, who are safe to care for children, are selected.
- You will attend group training sessions to help you learn about the issues involved in caring for children and young people.
- Disclosure Scotland checks will be carried out to ensure you are not disqualified by the law from working with children. You will also undergo a medical check and references will be requested.
- A social worker will carry out a series of visits to your home to prepare an in-depth assessment report for the Fostering and Permanence Panel; this is a group of people including social workers, and others with an understanding of fostering and adoption issues.
- Once you have completed the assessment and training course, and all checks have been satisfactorily completed, your application to become a carer will be put to the Fostering and Permanence Panel for final approval.
The process from application to final approval as a carer should be completed within six months. Regular feedback will be given to you on the progress of your application.
