Initial Home Visit – what to expect

After you’ve spoken with Local Community Fostering and agreed to share your details, your local fostering team will contact you to arrange a visit to your home. This is usually called “Initial Home Visit” (IHV) or simply “Home Visit” or “Initial Visit”. This is the next step in exploring whether fostering is the right fit for you and your family.

It’s a relaxed, face-to-face chat where we’ll talk about what fostering could look like for you. It’s also your chance to ask questions, learn more about the process, and understand how we’ll support you every step of the way. If the idea of an Initial Visit feels a little overwhelming, don’t worry! Reaching this stage is a fantastic sign, you’ve already shown qualities that could make you a wonderful foster carer.

Getting ready for your home visit

a bookshelf full of plants, books and children drawings.

Your home visit is an important step in the fostering process. It’s a chance for us to get to know you and for you to learn more about fostering.

Here are a few tips to help you feel prepared:

Have your family at home

Everyone who lives in your household should be there, especially your partner if you have one. Please book the visit for a time when they’re available.
If your partner can’t make it, let us know and we’ll happily reschedule. We can’t move forward without them, so it’s important they’re part of the conversation from the start.

Keep your ID documents handy

We’ll let you know what’s needed, but having them ready helps get things moving quickly.

Give the spare bedroom a quick tidy

We’ll ask to see the room you plan to use for fostering. A quick spruce-up is perfect – no need for perfection!

a social worker speaking to a foster carer

Think about your reasons for fostering

We’ll chat about what inspired you to take this step and what kind of support you have around you.

Write down any questions

If there’s anything you’re curious or unsure about, jot it down so you don’t forget to ask.

Most importantly, just be yourself!

This visit is all about getting to know you. There’s no test, no pressure – just a friendly conversation to help you feel informed and supported.

What will we talk about?

A fostering social worker from your local council fostering team will lead the conversation. You’ll chat about:

The types of children you may care for
The challenges some may face
The team of professionals who will support you

We’ll also build a fuller picture of your household by discussing:

Your current situation and lifestyle
Your motivation for fostering
Any experience you have caring for children
The checks and references we’ll need
Your home and garden (including CCTV use, if any)
Regular visitors or partners (DBS checks may be needed)
Your immigration status.

What happens next?

After the visit, you and the social worker will decide together whether to move forward.

If yes, you’ll be invited to complete a formal application and attend Skills to Foster training. If now isn’t the right time, that’s okay too, you can pause or step back and return when ready.

Can’t make the meeting?

No problem, just let the fostering team know as soon as you can. They’ll help reschedule to a more convenient time.

To find out about how your Council supports foster carers, click the logos below

We’re the choice for people from all backgrounds—single, coupled up, LGBTQ+, renting, or owning—who want to open their hearts and homes to local children and become part of a loved local community.

Fill out this short form and one of our team will reach out for an open and honest chat. Or feel free to call us on 020 8496 3437 or email hello@localcommunityfostering.co.uk.

You’re more ready than you think.

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