What do fostering services look for on an initial visit?

Here at Fitzgerald Fostering we really look forward to meeting anyone who is interested in becoming a foster carer – and it is a real bonus if we get to meet everyone that lives in the household when we come to visit.

After that we are looking to ensure that the home environment is safe with no obvious hazards that cannot be easily resolved, and that the household has space to welcome a child into.

As a minimum this means there needs to be a spare bedroom available for any child that is going to be fostered, and there needs to be room for any child to play, study, eat, etc.

How your property is decorated is not important rather it is about whether a child would feel safe, secure, and welcome. However, beyond this all types of housing will be considered whether you live in a flat, bungalow, terraced, detached or semi-detached property.

You can also own your home or rent it, neither would preclude from fostering.

What is important is that you can provide a child with security and therefore the stability of your housing situation is crucial.

During our first visit to you, and anyone else in your household, we welcome open discussions about what you are looking for from fostering, in conjunction with what you can expect from fostering and us as a fostering agency.

This is a little glimpse into what to expect on your first visit from a fostering service provider. If you’ve got any questions or wanted to find out more about first visits then don’t hesitate to contact us, we’d be happy to have a chat anytime.