Becoming a foster carer is a big decision and as well as being a change to your life it is also something that affects the life of a child in need of a place to live when they are not able to stay with their family.

It is a rewarding role; however, it isn’t without its challenges and being aware of the process can help you to decide if it is something that you want to take on…

You start off by contacting a fostering agency in your local area like this foster care Llanelli based agency https://saferfostering.org.uk/foster-care-wales/llanelli/ They will be able to have a conversation with you to discuss your circumstances, your expectations and suitability and then they will be able to arrange to have a more in-depth meeting with you.

Then you will have a home visit where a social worker will come to your home. They will be able to make sure that your home is suitable and also talk through the process with you in more detail. You will also then need to complete an application form providing all of the details that are needed. Once you have completed all of the forms and had the first home visit you then go through an assessment process where background checks are carried out

Before any children are placed in your care you will also receive training. This covers things like safeguarding children, how to support the emotional wellbeing of a child and understanding trauma and coping with challenging behaviours.