Becoming a foster carer is a special journey filled with love, hope, and sometimes, a little bit of paperwork! But remember, when you foster with Origins, you are never alone. Our team is with you every step of the way, turning hurdles into stepping stones and making sure this beautiful journey is as smooth as possible for everyone.
After completing the Foundations For Fostering training, an application form is normally your next big milestone. This form requires your personal details and your consent to start the assessment process.
Sometimes, we might send you the form before your training as it may not be scheduled for a few months. This allows us, in those specific cases, to begin processing your application before attending the training, which has the benefit of processing through the assessment that little bit sooner.
Here's a detailed breakdown of the various checks involved in the assessment process.
This is needed for all applicants and everyone in your home above 16 years. It’s just part of making sure that the environment is safe for a child. The Garda clearance checks are thorough and an essential part of ensuring that we maintain a secure environment for any child in care.
We reach out to all Tusla offices where you've lived to see if you're known to children's services. Like the Garda clearance checks, this helps us ensure your home is a secure place for a child. These checks are crucial to understanding your past interactions with children's services, if any and carrying out these checks reflects our commitment to ensuring the welfare and security of every child placed in foster care.
As part of the checks, you'll need to share whether you've lived abroad for more than six months. In the case that you have, we then carry out police and child protection checks in those countries where you've lived. This process again allows us to ensure that your home is a safe and secure space for a child in your care.
A quick check-up with your GP, paid for by Origins, to ensure you're physically capable to provide the care a child deserves. This check-up includes a general health assessment and is an important measure to confirm that you're able to meet the physical demands of caring for a child. It's not just about your health, but about ensuring that you can provide the best care possible for a child entering your home.
Setting out on the journey to become a foster carer can seem daunting, with various steps that may feel complex and overwhelming. But don't let this deter you from making a profound difference in a child's life. Remember, the rigorous assessment process, from Garda clearance to medical examinations, is essential to ensuring each child has a safe home and most importantly, it is not a journey you undertake alone.
At Origins, we're here to simplify and guide you through each step, transforming potential obstacles into manageable tasks. If you're considering opening your heart and home to a child, reach out to us. We're ready to answer your queries and support you on this transformative journey. With Origins, every step you take towards becoming a foster carer is a step towards a brighter future for a child.
If you are thinking of opening your heart and home to a child, we'd love for you to get in touch. The best way to contact us is by filling out the application form on our website but we're also available to contact by email, telephone, or social media. We have a team of foster care experts ready to answer your queries and guide you on your journey to becoming a foster carer with Origins.
Reach out for any questions and enquiries. A member of our fostering team will get back to you as soon as possible.
