Foster care fortnight - what steps do I need to go through to become a foster carer?

Orkney Islands Council, through Orkney Health and Care, is responsible for ensuring that children and young people in Orkney, have a safe, stable and caring environment when they cannot remain with their birth families for any reason. We’re currently looking for more people to consider whether foster caring could be for them - but what steps do they need to go through to become a foster carer?

Step 1 - Make initial contact. Get in touch with the Fostering and Adoption Team by phone (01856 873535) or email (fostering.adoption@orkney.gov.uk). 

Step 2 - Initial home visit. A qualified social worker visits you at home to get to know you and your household. It's a two-way process - they find out about you, and you learn more about what fostering involves.

Step 3 - Attend preparation training. All prospective carers must complete the Skills to Foster course (6 sessions) which covers like what do foster carers do, understanding and caring for children and safer caring.

Step 4 - Full household assessment. Over several months, the social worker will speak with everyone in your family, including any grown-up children who have left home. They'll assess your skills and experience with children and identify areas for further development.

Step 5 - Statutory checks. Background checks are carried out on all applicants, including a Disclosure Scotland criminal records check, a local authority check, and a medical check. References are also sought from employers and people who know you well.

Step 6 - Fostering & Adoption Panel. The assessment findings are presented to Orkney's Fostering and Adoption Panel, who make a recommendation on your suitability - including how many children and what age range you can care for.

Step 7 - Agency Decision Maker gives final approval. A senior member of OIC Community Social Services makes the final decision. The whole process typically takes up to six months.

Step 8 - Approved and matched. You're allocated your own social worker and together you create a personal support and training plan. You'll be matched with a child suited to your experience, introduced to the local support group, and welcomed into the fostering team.