What is The Fostering Assessment Process Like?

Becoming a foster carer is a life-changing decision—and the assessment process is a vital part of ensuring both you and the fostering service are well-prepared. In England, this process is carefully structured to help potential carers develop confidence, demonstrate suitability, and understand the support available. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to what you can expect.

1. Initial enquiry and information session

How it starts:

Contact a fostering service (local authority or independent fostering agency) and complete a preliminary enquiry form.
Attend an information session or open day—these are often held online or in person—to learn about the role, responsibilities, and support systems.

Why it matters:

These sessions help you explore whether fostering is a good fit and give services enough info to move you to the next stage.

2. First visit and initial suitability checks

What happens:

A social worker visits your home to discuss your motivations, background, and what fostering involves.
You’ll also receive an application pack and fill out basic paperwork.

Checks include:

Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) for you and any adults in your home
Local and national children’s safeguarding database checks
References from friends, family, employers

These checks ensure the safety and suitability of your environment.

3. Training start and preparation

Training part 1 – Skills to Foster:

Core training takes around 4–6 weeks via group sessions (online or in person).
Topics include child development, attachment, safe care, behaviour management, safeguarding, and child protection.

Training part 2 – online modules/workbooks:

You’ll complete e-modules or written work covering things like medical needs and equality/diversity.

These early stages help build your knowledge, support your learning, and help you reflect on your motivations.

4. Assessment visits by a social worker

Across approximately 8–12 visits, a qualified social worker will:

Explore your life history and why you want to foster
Review your personal experiences, values, and parenting style
Talk about household routines, health, relationships—especially how you’d support a child’s needs
Introduce and explain the fostering service’s policies, ethos, and processes

These conversations create an assessment of your strengths, possible challenges, and overall readiness.

5. Medical checks and references

You and all adults in your household will need a medical assessment by a GP.
References from employers, friends, and personal acquaintances are gathered.
Checks on children in your home, including medical reviews and education records, may also be done.

These ensure everyone in your household is considered and supported appropriately.

6. Writing and reviewing the Form F

The Form F report is the heart of your assessment—it’s your foster assessment report. It:

Summarises key findings from all visits, checks, training, medicals, and references
Reflects on your motivations, skills, strengths, and areas for development
Includes an analysis by the social worker
Is shared with your household so you can suggest corrections or additional insights

Form F is a robust, reflective document that sits at the centre of the decision-making process.

7. Panel decision

Once Form F is complete, your application goes to a fostering panel, which usually includes:

Experienced foster carers
Social workers
Independent representatives
Agency decision-maker or local authority manager

The panel assesses suitability, raises questions, and makes a recommendation. The agency decision-maker then makes the final decision, typically within a month of the panel.

8. Approval, feedback & start of fostering

If you’re approved:

You'll receive formal notification with start dates and details
Expect constructive feedback from the panel highlighting strengths and any development areas
An initial matching process begins to link you with a child whose needs align with your skills

If not approved:

You'll receive feedback and next steps
You might request a review or choose to reapply after further preparation

9. Post-approval support & review

Once fostering begins:

You’ll receive ongoing support: placements officer, supervising social worker visits, respite options, training, and peer support
You’ll have your first statutory review at three months, then every six months after that, assessing your continuing suitability and identifying training needs

Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)

What do fostering assessors look for?

Assessors evaluate your motivation to foster, resilience, emotional readiness, parenting style, capacity to put a child’s needs first, support networks, and understanding of safeguarding.

How long does the fostering assessment process take?

From initial enquiry to approval, it typically takes 4–6 months. This timeline depends on completing training, gathering checks, and panel scheduling.

Can a couple foster?

Yes. Both partners must complete the assessment process—DBS checks, medicals, training, references—ensuring each person’s suitability is fully considered.

Is there a fee?

No. In England, there is no charge to prospective foster carers. Training, checks, and support are provided by fostering services.

Do you need to be married or own your home?

No. Single people, renters, and those in various living situations can become foster carers. Spaces must be safe, suitable, and child-friendly.

A Final Thought

The fostering assessment process in England is thoughtfully designed—not to discourage prospective carers—but to ensure every home is safe, well-supported, and prepared for the children who need it most. With clear steps, thorough training, and ongoing support, the process empowers you to step into fostering with confidence and competence.

Feeling Called to Foster?

Feeling called to foster? Explore your options, ask questions, and begin your journey with confidence. Visit FosteringContacts.com today to learn more, connect with your nearest fostering service, and take the first step toward making a real difference in a child’s life.

Colin Baptiste

Colin Baptiste and his wife are both Foster Carers who want to help make a difference in the lives of young people who are facing difficulties in the home. Foster care can be a very positive experience for children in care, but it really requires people who are dedicated to the best welfare of the children, what ever their age.

Colin is wanting to raise the profile of foster care, and reach out to people who would make great carers, and for whom foster care can be a solution for some of the issues they face.

You contact Colin at info@fosteringcontacts.com.