19th June, 2024
There’s no doubt that the fostering assessment process can be a daunting task for potential foster carers. With the initial visit, probably the most nerve wracking of all. The initial visit, for those who don’t know, is where a Fostering Recruitment Advisor (FRA) comes out to your home to learn all about you and make sure the house is suitable for a young person.
So, why would this be scary? You may be thinking. For many, the idea of their home being judged is never a pleasant one, and the in-depth questions that are asked can sometimes feel intrusive. We caught up with our very own FRA, James, to tell us all about that first visit.
“The initial visit isn’t about someone’s home being judged, but rather making sure it’s suitable. It needs to be somewhere that’s not only safe, but somewhere which’ll make a vulnerable child feel safe. It’s important that they have a space to call their own.”
“It’s all very informal. I want to see the real you. More than anything I’m looking for someone with warmth, and who wants to make a difference in a child’s life. Of course, resilience is also important for any foster carer, so I’m on the lookout for that too.”
“Be yourself. Ask all the questions – believe me, I’ve seen it all before. On one initial visit, the lady I was there to see, her daughter thought I’d be bringing the child along with me to the initial visit. We all had a little laugh about it when I explained this wasn’t the case.”
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Start the conversation today. Our team of friendly advisors are on hand to answer any foster care questions you may have. We can offer you honest and practical advice that can help you decide if becoming a foster carer is the right path for you.
