How long does it take to become a foster parent in Wales?

In Wales, the journey to becoming a foster parent usually takes around 4–6 months. This timeframe spans from your initial expression of interest with a fostering provider, through to being formally approved as a foster parent.

Meeting with an Assessing Social Worker

During these months, you will work closely with an assessing social worker who will guide you through the process of becoming a foster parent. Together, you’ll meet regularly to complete a Form F assessment, which explores your skills, life experiences, and motivations for fostering. This process is designed to help us get to know you, your family, and the unique qualities you can bring to fostering. 

At Family Fostering Partners, we work in partnership with our foster parents, ensuring that they receive the training, resources, and support required to prepare them for the role. This training will cover areas such as safeguarding, understanding the needs of children in foster care, and paediatric first aid.

Background Checks

Alongside this assessment, we will complete thorough background checks, gather references from your friends, family, and employers, and instigate checks such as DBS and Medical Assessments. These checks will support your Form F Assessment.

Panel and Approval

Once your assessment is complete, it will be presented to a fostering panel who will review your suitability to foster. This panel is made up of experts in the fostering field; from social workers, foster parents, care experienced individuals and other professionals who have worked within fostering. If the panel recommends approval and the Agency Decision Maker agrees, you’ll be officially ready to begin fostering. 

Become an Approved Foster Parent with Family Fostering Partners

While 4–6 months may sound like a significant time commitment, many foster parents describe the process as a cathartic opportunity to reflect on their lives, their strengths, and their future as part of a child’s fostering journey. At Family Fostering Partners, our aim is to make this process as seamless as possible; fitting in meetings and appointments to work around you and your family. Explore fostering with Family Fostering Partners today.