How you can contribute to the assessment
We need your contribution throughout the assessment process.
This includes:
- sharing all relevant information about your experiences during the home study so that the social worker can prepare a detailed report
- providing information to support your experiences, knowledge and skills
- attending 3 days of pre-approval training with other prospective carers
- attending the Derbyshire Fostering Panel to discuss your application at the end of the assessment process
For a more in-depth look at the assessment process and the information we will require, take a look at the assessment process booklet attached to this page.
The approval panel
All the information gathered about you and your background during your home study is presented to a panel of professional and independent people who have the skills and experience to make recommendation about your approval as a foster carer.
A recommendation to approve your application is presented to the fostering agency decision maker who formally makes the decision to approve.
More information about the fostering approval panel is attached to this page.
Our commitment to you
We understand just how much information we are requesting from you and just how intrusive this process can feel at times. All information you give us, is treated in complete confidence.
We are also committed to being honest with you about our findings and will show you the report that is written by us for the fostering panel. We will give you a timescale for the assessment process and keep you informed if any of the checks need to be followed up further.
Are you already a registered foster carer for another agency?
We welcome enquiries from experienced foster carers, currently with other fostering agencies.
Foster carers can only be registered at one agency at a time.
If you choose to foster for us rather than your existing fostering agency, we would do everything possible to ensure that your transition between agencies went as smoothly as possible.
Once you are approved
Following approval, your local fostering support worker will support you in your fostering role and provide you with any advice and equipment you need to foster. You will need to sign the foster carer agreement and foster carer charter.
You will receive a welcome pack including:
- a copy of the Foster Carer Handbook
- an ID card showing that you are a Derbyshire foster carer
- equipment as required
- information about incentives - free leisure, events, IT grant scheme
- a copy of the financial handbook
- training information
You will be linked with an experienced foster carer who will support you in your first year, attend the foster carer central induction evening, offered training including first aid and attend local support groups.
During this time you will have your first placement and begin your fostering career with us.