Application and Assessment Process

The length of the assessment process is usually around 4 months. However, this may rise to 6 months depending upon the complexity of your personal circumstances, the speed with which checks and references are received, and the scheduling of the HSE approval.

Every effort is made to ensure that there is no avoidable delay in the application and assessment process.

  1. Request Information

    Following your initial enquiry via the website, a member of the FFI team will call you for an initial conversation. In your initial call we will request some basic information about you and your circumstances. You will also be sent our information pack: 'Fostering Matters'
     
  2. Home Visit

    An FFI worker will visit your home to discuss fostering with you in greater depth. The worker will put together an initial screening report based on your discussions, which will recommend whether or not you are to be sent an application form.
     
  3. Application Form

    You will need to complete an application form, which gives us detailed information about you and your family, and also requests your consent for us to complete necessary checks and enquiries to determine your suitability to foster.
     
  4. FFI obtains the following reference and checks on all applicants:
    • Garda vetting on all adult members of the household (includes information about any criminal convictions or cautions)
    • Enquiries to the Health Service Executive (HSE)
    • A medical examination is completed by your GP and the report is made available to FFI's Agency Medical Advisor for his/her comments about your healt
    • Identification of three personal referees who will provide written references and be interviewed as part of the assessment proces
    • A standard safety compliance check will need to be carried out on your home
    • Enquiries to other agencies as necessary
  5. Assessment Process
    • A Qualified social worker carries out a full assessment. He/she visits your home, generally on 6-10 occasions, to meet and collect information about all members of your household and your experience and skills in relation to fostering. The information obtained forms the basis of an assessment report called a 'Form F' 
    • A training course 'Foundations for Fostering' is provided which covers the responsibilities of being a foster carer and working for FFI. All prospective foster carers must attend this training
    • During the assessment process, applicants will be helped to compile a portfolio of written material giving examples of their relevant experience and skills
  6. Foster Care Committee

    The Form F assessment report, excluding all references, will be shared with you and then presented to the HSE Foster Care Committee in your area for approval.

Back to the Fostering Process main page
 

Shortage Of Carers

Foster carers needed for older children & young people - FFI needs more foster carers for children and young people aged 10-18 across Ireland...

Fostering News

Fostering Events

Event: Fostering Information Event - Dublin
Venue: Rua Red, Tallaght, Dublin 24
Date: 29th May
Full list of fostering events



Content © Fostering First Ireland 2013