When you make an initial enquiry to us, you’re taking the first step toward becoming a foster parent.
Whether your first contact with us is by completing an online survey or by email or phone, we understand that you will have lots of questions. It’s important to us that you have all the information you need every step of the way, so we’ll arrange an initial call with a member of our team at a time convenient for you where we will discuss:
Us
• We’ll introduce ourselves, our role and what we do
• We’ll take the opportunity to explain the process of becoming a foster carer
• We will share a little about the children we care for
• And the community of support available at Fitzgerald Fostering
• The differences between us and other agencies.
You
• We’ll ask what has made you interested in fostering.
• How did you hear about us
• We’ll ask a little about your family situation and who lives in your home.
• We will check whether you meet the basic requirements for fostering
• Do you have a spare bedroom and is your home a safe space.
• Are you in good health
• Do you have a criminal record – not all offences preclude you from fostering, but we’ll need to explore this with you.
• Do you have sufficient time and emotional space to give to fostering.
Questions
• We’ll answer any questions you may have about fostering or Fitzgerald Fostering specifically.
• We hope to dispel any myths you have heard about who can become a foster carer.
• Theres no such thing as a silly question – we want you to feel fully informed at every stage. That’s The Fitzgerald Way.
Next Steps
• We’ll send you an information pack if you’ve not already received one.
• If we feel you meet the basic criteria and you’re interested in finding out more, well arrange a Home Visit where we can have a more detailed discussion and take a look at the space in which you would foster and help you decide if fostering with Fitzgerald is the right fit for you.
Preparation for the call
• You are under no obligations at this stage and the call should be the first stage to helping you decide whether you want to explore further. Make a note of all of the things you hope to find out before the call, and be as open as you can in order that we start to get to know each other.
