What does your first year of fostering look like when you join Mosaic? Mosaic only offers long-term fostering, this means that the first year of fostering may be one of many.
We thought it may be useful for you to see what that first-year fostering looks like for you. What the steps are in becoming a foster parent and what happens directly after you have been approved?
Take a look at this simple timeline which should give you all the information you need. As always if there is anything you would like to have more information on, don't hesitate to get in touch with us! Also, don't forget that this is how Mosaic work, other agencies will have their own timeline of events for you to follow.
Want to learn more about who can become a foster parent?
When you send us an enquiry one of our fostering advisors will give you a call to see if we are both a right fit for each other and to answer any questions you may have. At this stage, we will talk you through how everything works and go through some basic criteria for fostering with Mosaic (if you want to take a look at this ahead of enquiring, take a look here).
We meet at your house to discuss fostering in more depth and answer any questions you may have. This is a good point for you to think of any and all of the things you would like to raise with us. We will answer any questions as best we can and if our advisor doesn't have the answer we will make sure to find it for you!
You submit your application form. This is where we will start to make our checks and obtain references. This sounds daunting but we will be with you every step of the way and the process will have been explained to you in depth at your home visit.
Skills to foster is a mandatory preparatory training session which gives you more information about fostering and our SMILE model. SMILE is our therapeutic parenting approach.
An assessor will complete your assessment which is compiled as a document and presented to the panel for consideration.
Your assessment paperwork is read and discussed at what is called a panel. The panel is made up of people in the industry, who will ask questions about your documentation. It sounds daunting but we are on hand to make things as smooth as possible. Want to learn more about Panel? Take a look at our article Introducing Our Panel. A recommendation is then made which goes to the agency decision-maker.
The agency decision-maker will take the recommendation from the panel and make the final decision on whether you are approved or not. You will then be notified of the outcome.
Once approved, you will start our comprehensive induction and training programme which will give you more information on the next steps as well as introduce more principles from SMILE. You will be invited to our agency events such as coffee mornings and have the opportunity to participate in our reflective practice.
We will be sent the profiles of young people who are looking for foster parents. Information is shared with you about the young people you may wish to consider. You will then meet with them more than once and come to a decision about the next steps.
Following a good introduction, your young person will move into your home.
We will be with you to support you every step of the way in your new fostering journey. From our therapy and social work teams to our dedicated office staff. Everyone has your and your young person's best interests in mind.
The next big milestone will be your first annual review where you will go back to the panel for them to recommend you for another year.
Here is panel member Iris talking through what the first-year panel is like!
At this stage with Mosaic, you will receive a voucher and certificate as part of our Appreciation Award scheme.
And that pretty much sums up the first year as a foster parent with Mosiac Foster Care. It takes approximately four to five months from your initial enquiry to becoming approved depending on us obtaining references and information. Don't forget that we provide ongoing support after the initial placement has been made. We are always by your side.
Think you could be a good fit for our growing foster family?
We are looking for therapeutic foster parents to join our amazing team. Please get in touch if this is something you would like to know more about!
