The home visit helps explore whether fostering is the right fit for you and your family. It’s also your chance to:
- Ask questions
- Learn more about what fostering involves
- Understand how we’ll support you
Initial Home Visit Explained
Initial Home Visit: your first step in fostering
How is it arranged?
Once you’ve had an initial conversation with Local Community Fostering and you give your permission for us to share your information with your local fostering team, they will be in touch to arrange a home visit. Let them know if you need any adjustments – for example, a sign language interpreter.
The meeting will usually take one to two hours.
Who should be there?
Everyone included in the fostering application. This will usually be the individual or couple applying to be foster carers.
Children in your household are welcome too, if you’re comfortable with them hearing the personal questions that will be discussed. They may also be asked questions if they are present.
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.
Will the questions be personal?
Some of the questions may feel quite personal, and we completely understand that. The fostering social worker will explain why certain information is needed and will do their best to put you at ease. These questions help us understand whether fostering is the right fit for your household, and whether we can support you in taking the next steps. We’re ultimately making sure that every child has the best possible chance of a safe, stable, and nurturing home.
What happens next?
After the visit, you and the fostering social worker will decide together whether it feels right to move forward. If yes, they’ll invite you to:
- Complete a formal application, and
- Attend Skills to Foster training
Of course, it’s also completely okay if you decide that now isn’t the right time for your family. You can pause the process, or step back entirely — and if things change in the future, we’d love to hear from you again.
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.