Manchester City Council

Social services How the fostering process works

Getting started  

  • First 2 Months: Learn about fostering and check if you are ready to apply.  
  • Next 4 Months: Complete the application process.  

You will get training and support throughout.  

Before you apply  

  1. Research: Visit our website, attend an event, and ask us questions.  
  2. Suitability Call: We will call you to check if you meet the criteria.  
  3. Home Visit: We visit your home to get to know you and check your home.  
  4. Training: Complete the 'Skills to Foster' course to learn how to be a good carer.  
  5. Application: If you are ready, fill out the forms to start your assessment.  

The application process  

  1. Background Checks: We check your criminal record, health, and references.  
  2. Home Visits: A social worker visits you and your household to make assessments. This is carried out over several visits. Afterwards the information goes into a report called 'Form F'.  
  3. Form F Report: Your social worker shares the report with you to ensure it is accurate.  
  4. Fostering Panel: Attend a panel with your social worker to decide the types of fostering you can do.  
  5. Agency Decision Maker (ADM): The ADM registers you as a foster carer. Congratulations!  

Start fostering  

  1. Begin: You get a supervising social worker, start caring for children, and receive ongoing support and training.

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