How long does it take to become a foster parent?

Fostering a child might seem like a long and difficult process, but it is very rewarding.

On average, becoming a foster carer takes four to six months.

That amount of time is important so that we can have all the information needed to match you to the right child. We also need time to make sure you and your household are ready, we provide extensive training and support to aid in your preparation.

What can you do to speed up the process?

• Some of the things that can help quicken the process:
  Dedicate enough time to the assessment process, the more time you are able to give, the quicker the process will be to becoming a foster carer.

If this process seems too daunting or time-consuming, don’t give up. Remember what you are doing it all for – making a difference to a child’s life. Be aware of your timetable during this process, but don’t let it discourage you from trying to become a foster parent. This can feel like hard work, but it’s rewarding in the end when you become a foster carer.

• Go through our list of qualifications to determine you meet all the basic requirements of becoming a foster carer.

The application process is NOT the hard part, it is the assessment. Knowing first-hand what’s required of you will make the assessments easier and less time-consuming.

If you would like to discuss becoming a foster carer with us, please visit our contact us page or call 01753 550031.