Your journey
Seven stages, one team beside you.
Every applicant's journey is a little different. Here's what to expect at each stage — and exactly how we'll help.
On average, the application and assessment process takes 4 to 6 months. We make every effort to avoid unnecessary delays.
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Stage 1 of 7
Initial enquiry
It starts with a conversation. Call, WhatsApp or fill in our form, and we’ll answer your questions and talk through whether fostering fits your life right now.
An informal chat — by phone, WhatsApp or email — about you, your home and why you’re interested in fostering.
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Stage 2 of 7
Initial visit
A social worker from our team visits you at home to get to know you and your household, see the space you’d offer, and explain what happens next.
A relaxed home visit where we meet everyone in your household and see the room a young person would have.
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Stage 3 of 7
Application form
If you decide to go ahead, you’ll complete a formal application. Upon return of these documents, our admin team begin stage one checks.
You complete the application form and give consent for checks, including an enhanced DBS check, references and local authority checks.
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Stage 4 of 7
Skills to Foster training
A preparation course that covers what fostering involves, the children you may care for, and how to support them.
Group training, usually over 2 to 3 days, with other applicants and often experienced foster carers sharing what it’s really like.
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Stage 5 of 7
Form F assessment
An assessing social worker gets to know you and your household over a series of visits, and writes your assessment report — known as the Form F.
Conversations about your life, relationships, experience with children and support network, ending in a written report.
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Stage 6 of 7
Panel
Your assessment goes to an independent fostering panel, which meets you and makes a recommendation about your approval.
A meeting with the fostering panel — people with experience of fostering, social work and care — who ask you a few questions.
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Stage 7 of 7
Approval
Our agency decision maker considers the panel’s recommendation and makes the final decision. Once approved, you’re a WellCare foster carer.
You’re formally approved, and we start thinking carefully about matching you with a child or young person.
You're never on your own
Supported from your first call.
Applying to foster is a big step. WellCare walks it with you — explaining each stage, preparing you for what's next and answering every question along the way.
- 01A named contact throughoutOne person at WellCare who knows your application and keeps you updated.
- 02Help with every formWe'll talk you through the application and every check, so nothing feels daunting.
- 03Preparation for panelYou'll know what to expect, and the assessor who supported you through your Form F attends with you.
- 0424/7 support once approvedTraining, mentoring, support groups and someone at the end of the phone, day or night.
Download
Becoming a foster carer: information booklet
Who we are, the types of fostering, what we look for, how approval works and the support you’ll have.
PDF · 16 pages · 2.6 MB
Our promise
How we'll support your application.
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Clear at every step
We’ll explain each stage before it starts, so you always know what’s happening and what comes next.