Thank you for your interest in fostering with Sparks Fostering. At Sparks Fostering we pride ourselves in having efficient, streamlined processes, which you will experience from the point of your application. Outlined below is the application process from initial contact to approval. The timescales provided are approximate and should be discussed with Sparks Fostering staff who will consider the specific circumstances linked to your assessment.
To start your application process, book a one to one phone call with a fostering manager and answer some questions to help structure our discussion:
Whilst waiting for the date of your booked phone call, watch the following recordings so you can learn more about Sparks Fostering and the basic criteria to foster:
Introduction to Sparks Fostering:
Session 1: Criteria to foster
The next step is to book session 2 of training, which is a 1 hour online workshop. Session 2 can be booked on the training page – click here to book session 2.
After you’ve completed the home study for session 2, you can book session 3. Then you would repeat the process for sessions 4 and 5.
This stage could potentially be completed over 4 weeks; however, most applicants take at least a couple of months to complete the home study.
Please note that social workers should be given 3 working days to review and respond to submissions. Read receipt can be requested if you want to make sure that the email has been received.
After you’ve completed the home study for session 5, you’ll be allocated an assessing social worker who will visit your home and will do approximately 15 hours of work (with you and independently) to complete your assessment.
After your assessment is completed, it will be presented to panel and then to the agency decision maker – click here to read more about panel and the ADM.
To date, every assessment presented to panel by the Sparks Fostering registered manager (and all social workers under her supervision) have been recommended for approval.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Sparks Fostering family!
