Our Fostering Information Calls - What To Expect
Our information calls are a really great way to find out more about becoming a foster carer.
You’ll be able to speak with a fostering adviser who can answer any questions you have, learn more about you and your experience and find out what you hope to get from fostering.
Sounds great, but what exactly should you expect from an information call? Here, we’ve put together some answers to your most frequently asked questions.
How long does the call last?
The call is entirely tailored to you and your queries - that’s why it’s so great - but it usually takes around half an hour. Various time slots are available throughout the week, so we’ll always be able to find a time that suits you.
Who will I talk to?
The call will be with one of our fostering advisers, who are qualified social workers specialising in fostering. They’re dedicated to finding local fostering placements for Rotherham children and are always keen to hear from people who are considering fostering. So, whether you’ve just started to wonder if fostering may be right for you or it’s something you’ve wanted to do for years, our fostering advisers are here to listen and help. We get lovely feedback from callers about how nice our advisers are, so no need to feel worried!
Can’t I just find the information online?
We’d definitely suggest taking a look at a range of information about fostering from trusted sources, such as The Fostering Network and our own FAQ page and blog. Often, though, this can throw up questions about your personal circumstances that need a specific answer, and this is where our friendly fostering experts’ knowledge comes in.
Am I committing myself to becoming a foster carer if I book a call?
Absolutely not! Although this is many people’s first step in the application process, it is equally just a great opportunity to find out if foster care is right for you. You're absolutely not under any obligation to go any further than this. Think of it as a friendly chat with a knowledgeable friend.
“I would encourage anyone thinking about being a foster carer to pick up the phone and speak to Fostering Rotherham. Take that first step or you’ll never know!”
Emma - foster carer
Why is it over the phone and not at my house?
Information visits, as the name suggests, used to be at people’s houses. Since the beginning of the pandemic, however, our priority has been the safety of our team and the people we’re visiting, so information visits are taking place over the phone for the time being.
Does my partner need to be on the call too?
We always encourage you to discuss fostering with your family, as everyone needs to be involved in supporting each other throughout the fostering process. However, at this early stage, it may be that you just want to gather some information so you can have a more informed chat with your family about how fostering would work for you, and so it’s absolutely fine to attend the call yourself.
What sort of questions should I ask?
This very much depends on your individual circumstances, but please don’t be shy about asking anything you think of - there’s really no such thing as a stupid question. Often, people ask about their housing or financial situation and what they could earn through fostering, about the training and support foster carers receive, or about the realities of introducing foster children to any children already living at home.
How do I book?
It’s really easy! Just go to our book a visit page.
And remember that although it’s normal to sometimes feel a little nervous about talking to someone, we do get such positive feedback about the calls, with people describing it as being like a chat with a friend. So many of our current foster carers say that their only regret is not starting their fostering journey sooner, so why not take that first step and book a call today?
We look forward to hearing from you!