Preparing for your first fostering placement

Congratulations! Following the completion of your Form F assessment, attendance at our panel, and approval from our Agency Decision Maker, you are officially a foster carer and are ready to welcome your first foster child into your home.

The wait for a placement can vary depending on individual circumstances. Calon Cymru Fostering takes great care in matching children to our foster carers, so it is impossible to estimate the exact length of time you could be waiting for a child to come through your door. However, it is important to be patient and to stay in contact with your supervising social worker who will be sure to keep you updated.

When a child is referred to us who we feel may be a good match for you, you will receive a call from a social worker or manager who will run through all the information they have about the child, and the type of placement they require. It is important to note that a referral may not necessarily result in a placement. To ensure the best possible match, the placement team may consider a number of available foster carers to identify those who are best suited to the child's needs and circumstances.

Once a suitable match is found, the amount of time you have to prepare before the child or young person comes to live with you can vary depending on their individual circumstances. They could be walking through your door within minutes, or they may not be joining you for a couple of weeks, or even months.

Prior to the start of any placement, it is important to childproof your home (if needed), stock up on basic toiletries, and have some child-friendly food available. The child’s bedroom should be kept neutral in colour and decor, so as to be prepared for any situation. Some children and young people enjoy going shopping with their foster carer to pick out decorations for their new bedroom so that they can put their own stamp on it and make it their own!

It is normal to feel a bit nervous or stressed when you are welcoming a child into your home. However, it’s important to remember that you have been chosen to become a foster carer because we believe you have the skills and capabilities to succeed. You will find yourself calling on your Skills to Foster training that you attended during the assessment period, as well as any other courses you may have undertaken since being approved. Although you may not think it, the training you’ve attended will give you the confidence and knowledge you need to make the placement a success.

You’ll also have the full support of your supervising social worker, duty social worker, and other Calon Cymru foster carers including your buddy. Every fostering placement will have teachable moments and you’ll learn something from each child and young person that walks through your front door.

Enjoy this milestone as you embark on your journey to positively impact the lives of vulnerable children across Wales.