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It couldn't be easier...
If you would like to become a Oldham foster carer:
Email:fostering@oldham.gov.uk
Telephone: 0161 770 6600
Write to:
Oldham Fostering Service
Unit 10 - Whitney Court
Southlink Business Park
Oldham
OL4 1DB
Telephone enquiries - If you have contacted us by telephone, a member of the fostering team will discuss fostering in more detail and give you the opportunity to ask any questions.
Email and written enquiries - Once we have received your initial enquiry, a member of the fostering team will telephone you to discuss fostering in more detail and give you the opportunity to ask any questions.
An Information Pack will be sent out to you in the post within 2 working days. This pack includes further information regarding fostering and a Registration of Interest Form.
If when you have read the information, you still wish to pursue the application, you will need to complete the Registration of Interest Form and post it back to us in the pre paid envelope:
Oldham Fostering Team
Unit 10 – Whitney Court
Southlink Business Park
Oldham OL4 1DB
When we receive the Registration of Interest Form back, a member of the fostering team will contact you and arrange an ‘initial visit’. This initial visit is to answer any further questions you may have in regards to fostering and also acts as an opportunity to process the required checks we need to undertake. These include, Education, Health, NSPCC, GP, Probation and Police Checks (CRB). The fostering team worker will also take a look around your home to establish if your home is suitable for fostering.
Following the initial visit, if both you and the fostering team worker feel that fostering is right for you, then you will be allocated a place on the Preparation for Fostering Training, held four times a year.
After the preparation training, an assessment will begin. Your fostering team worker will spend time getting to know you, gathering information about your skills and training needs, and discussing which child/children you might be able to support. After the assessment has been completed, your application will be presented to Oldham Foster Panel and you will be asked to attend.
Members of Oldham's Fostering Panel meet to discuss your application and make a recommendation on whether or not you should become a foster carer. Once the panel have made a recommendation, the Service Director will either approve it or not.
Once you have been approved as a foster carer, a link with a child or children will be made.
Although the process may seem daunting at first, your fostering team worker will provide help and support to you every step of the way!
Adoption and Fostering