Fostering in Hereford
If you are located in the Hereford area, you could make a difference to a child’s life by becoming a foster carer. You don’t need any childcare experience as full training will be provided. Then, upon approval, you will receive full 24/7 support from a social worker allocated to you. Also, when a child is placed in your home, you will receive a professional carer fee.
The Foster Care Co-operative (FCC) work closely with Herefordshire Council in order to support the need for foster homes in the region.
About the Foster Care Co-operative
We have a different approach to fostering. Not only are we not-for-profit, but we’re currently the only fostering organisation operating as a co-operative in the UK. This means that we listen to and act on suggestions from our staff, carers and children – resulting in a service that is able to quickly adjust to the needs of its members. As a not-for-profit, we also reinvest any surplus income after expenses into providing more foster care support and training. This is how foster care should be.
Whilst our head office is in Worcestershire, our social workers are stationed remotely. Our Hereford-based team are managed by one of our Operational Managers. A team of social workers ensure foster carers and the children they look after are fully supported.
Becoming a foster parent / carer
The initial process for becoming a foster carer includes an informal chat over the phone, followed by an application pack and a home visit.
Once you have completed an application form, your allocated social worker will commence a process called a Form F, which is a detailed written assessment split into two parts. The first part (Stage 1) will be the completion of various checks including a DBS, a medical and the collation of references. Stage 2 is a more detailed assessment which will involve you talking about your adult life and childhood, your relationships, your work and family life.
Once the Form F is completed you will attend Fostering Panel, who have to approve all new foster carers. After this, you’re ready to make a change to a child’s life!
Could you foster in Hereford?
If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, and are aged 18 or over with a spare bedroom in your home, you can register your interest now by completing our short form below, or call us on 0800 0856 538.
