Blackpool is a well-known town in the UK, and it just so happens to be a great place to foster a child. When you think about the hundreds of activities and events, the social scene, and the list of children who need foster carers, the decision to explore this calling is an easy one. So, how do you become a foster carer in Blackpool? Here’s what you need to know.
Do You Have Space and Time to Give?
There are specific hoops to jump through when it comes to your space and your time. For instance, if you don’t have a spare bedroom at home, you can’t become a foster carer because you wouldn’t meet the minimum requirements. The same is true of your personal work life. For instance, if you are not wanting to step back from full-time employment, you will struggle to show up in the way foster care agencies want you to for the children you may look after. That’s not to say that you can’t work, but the children in your home need to come first above everything else.
Select a Foster Care Agency
Anyone considering this path will need an agency to support them, provide training, and provide things like the foster carer allowance too. The most straightforward advice is that if you are fostering in Blackpool, pick an agency that is local to your community. This will give you a unit that is close by and means you are more likely to provide direct support to the children in need in your area. Once you know who you want to work with, you can submit an online form or get in touch to talk through the next steps.
Home Visits
Once you have made first contact, someone will be in touch fairly quickly to arrange a home visit. This is super common, and nothing to be afraid of. It’s just standard practice to meet the people who want to become carers face to face, and so much easier to answer questions and talk through the facts.
Background Checks
If you are still in the process at this point, you can send in an official application to become a foster carer. This will always be followed up with a range of background checks. These are to verify that you are who you say you are, and that there are no security red flags.
Family and Friend Interviews
As long as your background checks are all okay, your family and friends will be put forward for an interview-style conversation. They can share any concerns and get to know what it means for you to become a carer.
Training
If everything goes well in the first few stages, you will be invited to attend training sessions. Here, you will learn all about what it takes to be a great foster carer.
Independent Panel Review
After finishing your training (for now), your application will go for review to a foster carer panel. If you pass, you will be able to wait for your agency to match you up with a foster child to look after.
Becoming a carer is a straightforward, multi-stage process. Get the ball rolling today.
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