The process

The process of becoming a foster carer is rigorous, but you will be supported throughout by TACT staff. Once you have read the information on this site, contact TACT to chat about what is involved further. If you still think that you would like to continue then you will be asked to complete an Enquiry Form and return it to TACT. Your application will be acknowledged in writing. The form will be examined very carefully by our professional staff. They will use the form to build up a picture of the foster carer's life, work experience, accommodation and their reasons for wishing to foster. The more information you can give, the better.

If an application is to be taken further, the following process will begin: You will receive a letter from TACT's Regional Manager letting you know that the first stage of your application has been successful. An Assessing Social Worker will telephone you to arrange a convenient date to visit for a preliminary discussion. The result of this preliminary interview will be given to you in writing.

If the outcome is positive, a formal assessment process will begin. At this stage applicants will be given additional written information about the process.

TACT will also begin a series of checks as listed on the Foster Care Consent Form. These checks involve contacting medical practitioners, the Police, Local Authorities, Health Authorities, the NSPCC, the Probation Service and the Department of Health. Although the list may seem daunting, most applicants understand that they are vital.

The formal assessment process will usually require about six meetings with the Assessing Social Worker in the foster carer's own home. The Social Worker will also need to meet any other people who normally live in the house. This includes children as well as other adults. The timing of this series of visits will be agreed between the foster carers and their Assessing Social Worker.

If all the outside checks prove to be satisfactory and the Assessing Social Worker makes a positive recommendation, the applicants will confirm by signing the formal assessment document known as a F Form. The final stage of the assessment process can then begin.

You will then need to be approved by TACT's Fostering Panel. The Panel includes members from outside the TACT organisation in order to safeguard an objective and unbiased outcome. Applicants will have been given prior details of the Panel.

Once you have been approved by the Fostering Panel you will be required to sign a formal agreement between yourselves and TACT. This agreement details the foster carers' obligations both to TACT and to any Local Authority who may place children with them. It also details TACT's obligations and responsibilities to the foster carers. You are then added to TACT's approved register.

A personally assigned Link Worker will discuss arrangements for induction training with the new foster carers. The Link Worker and TACT's Training Manager will work with you to draw up an individual professional development plan. Induction training will take place as soon as possible after your approval by TACT. This will also provide foster carers with an early opportunity to visit our premises, meet the staff and have contact with other foster carers for those carers who have not already done so.