What happens on an initial home visit?

When applying to become a foster carer, you’ll go through a series of phases in order to become a foster parent. One of these steps is the initial home visit – whilst you may feel nervous about your first home visit, it’s nothing to worry about, especially when you know what to expect. Our guide highlights exactly what you can expect from the home visit, and how you can prepare.

What is an initial home visit?

The first home visit in the fostering process is simply a way for the Excel Fostering team to get to know you a little better. The initial home visit normally lasts around two hours and is simply an informal meeting – the purpose of this visit is to decide whether to continue with your fostering application. The home visit will also be utilised to assess the suitability of your home for fostering– however, this is also an opportunity for you to ask more questions about fostering and learn as much as you need to know before you embark on your journey.

As part of the initial home visit, you will be visited by a recruiter, and your social worker will attend throughout the assessment. A Team Manager from your local agency team and a will also join at the end of the process. In the home visit, you will discuss a varied number of topics, including:

• Your family history and background
• Childcare experience
• Your profession
• Relationship status
• Types of fostering placements
• Pets
• Why you want to become a foster carer
• Hobbies and interests

Some of these questions may feel a little intrusive, however, it is important we ask these questions to ensure the child’s safety are priortised. It’s important that all the people in your household attend the initial assessment period, including any relatives who are living there over the age of 18. Children of all ages are welcome in this visit also, as everything that is discussed will be age appropriate.

Next steps after the home visit

After the initial home visit, our social workers will write up a report recommending whether or not the application should proceed. This will then be signed off by a Social Work Manager – however, after the home visit, you may feel that fostering is not the right choice for you. If this is the case, you can delay or withdraw your application at any stage.

If you have been approved to proceed, your application, which should take about 4 – 6 months in total, will be then submitted to the panel. Here, they will be able to assess your initial visit report, alongside your entire fostering application, and hopefully approve you as a foster carer.

How to apply for fostering

If you feel like fostering is the right path for you, do not hesitate to apply! Here at Excel Fostering, our friendly team are always on board to support you every step of the process. You can make an enquiry here today – or for more information, contact our team.