Start Your Fostering Journey
Choosing to foster is a big decision, but it also makes a big difference to the children and young people of Bradford.
There are six key steps to become a foster carer... but it only takes one phone call to start your fostering journey.
The application process is designed to ensure the very best possible outcome for you, your family, and the children we support.
Our dedicated fostering team is here to help and support you every step of the way.
Step 1
Information Call
The first step of the process is to speak with one of our fostering advisers, who will explain more about the types of fostering, the application process and learn a little bit about you and your reasons for fostering.
Step 2
Initial Home Visit
If you are keen to proceed we will arrange to visit you (and
your partner if you have one) at your home to talk about fostering in more detail and your personal circumstances.
We’ll also carry out some basic background checks and checks on your property - these are routine checks and shouldn’t be anything to worry about.
Step 3
Application Form
If you’re happy to continue on your fostering journey, we’ll ask you to complete an official application form and submit employer, family and character references.
During this stage, we’ll carry out several medical and safeguarding checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
This is for the safety of your family and our young people.
Step 4
Assessment And Training
Once your application is submitted, you’ll be assigned your own personal supervising social worker. They’ll be on hand to answer any questions you may have through the assessment process.
You’ll also be invited to attend specialist training, all of which is designed to help you to be the best carer you can be.
The training doesn’t stop there though… our carers are supported throughout their career.
On average, each application is approved within 4 months.
Step 5
Fostering Panel
You will attend the fostering panel with your assessing social worker.
The panel will consider your application and will recommend to the Agency Decision Maker whether or not you should be approved as a foster carer.
The decision will include details about age range, gender, number of children and fostering scheme.
Step 6
Approval
Once you are approved, we will start to look to match you with a child or young person based on your approval recommendations. This may take some time or may happen immediately.
In your first year, we will provide you with an induction that introduces you to how fostering works in Bradford along with practical training in fostering.
"It was such a relief when we spoke to someone at Bradford Fostering and found them to be so open minded."
Naomi, foster carer
