If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, there has never been a better time to apply.
The National Fostering Group’s new fast track assessment process means that prospective foster carers can get approved more quickly than ever, but with the same rigorous checks in place as before.
The new fast track assessment process has been developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as many families have been affected by the loss of work and income. Many more are expected to be affected by the forecast economic downturn and some may be actively considering fostering as a rewarding alternative to seeking work in an increasingly tough jobs market.
The criteria for wishing to foster children remains the same –having time, space and above all, the desire to make a difference to the lives of young people – however, what has changed is the speed at which The National Fostering Group are able to process applications. Fast track assessment is about matching children with foster families faster so they can start making a difference sooner.
Fast track has been designed for people who have lots of time each week to dedicate to the assessment process. If they have been furloughed or lost their job due to the pandemic, if they are retired or if they were already contemplating an alternative, this could be the ideal solution.
With fast-tracking, the same rigorous assessment process is followed as for a conventional fostering application, however each stage is speeded up. New, streamlined processes are in place for:
- Visits
- Preparation to Foster training
- Checks and references
A prospective carer will need to make themselves available to attend sessions and commit to completing all paperwork in a timely fashion.
Fast-tracking makes extensive use of online and virtual platforms, which not only makes things faster but gives them more flexibility to join assessment sessions and training at times that suit them. Most contact and training sessions will be online, although prospective foster carers will have a home visit from one of The National Fostering Group’s agency managers before the panel date - getting to know them in person will help them to feel part of the fostering family.
From the start of the fast-tracking process, The National Fostering Group will mutually commit to working together to gather all of the information needed for the fostering assessment as quickly and efficiently as possible and they will be available throughout to offer support and advice whenever required.
Fostering offers the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people. A carer will be paid for their time, receive many other valuable benefits and perks, work from home, and be able to achieve a good work/life balance. There will be challenges, of course, but with the National Fostering Group, they will benefit from an extensive network of support and the chance to network with other carers facing similar issues.
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