FOSTERING ASSESSMENT
Though the fostering assessment might appear intimidating, we strive to ensure that the process is as seamless and pleasant as can be. Our goal is to provide ample support for you and your family every step of the way.
WHAT IS A FOSTER CARER EXPECTED TO DO?
Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea of fostering or are ready to initiate your application, we understand that you might be experiencing some apprehension about what the fostering assessment entails.
However, rest assured that our experienced assessment team approaches the process with sensitivity, non-judgment, and a relaxed demeanor, aiming to make it as enjoyable as possible for you. In fact, many applicants have found the journey to be therapeutic and fulfilling, reflecting on their life experiences and the obstacles they’ve overcome.
The assessment comprises several stages, including:
- Social work visits
- Background checks
- Personal and professional references
- Skills to Foster training
All the information gathered throughout these stages will be compiled into a Form F report and presented to an independent fostering panel, who will assess your suitability to foster. Typically, the entire process takes around 4-6 months to complete, although timelines may vary depending on individual circumstances.
THE PURPOSE OF THE FOSTERING ASSESSMENT
The fostering assessment, also referred to as a Form F assessment, stands as a vital measure to safeguard the safety and well-being of children under our care. In the UK, completion of this assessment is a mandatory requirement for all prospective foster parents.
We specialize in supporting children and young individuals with complex needs, often stemming from histories of neglect, abuse, and trauma. Unfortunately, love alone cannot suffice to positively impact the lives of these children. What they truly require are foster parents who exhibit resilience, patience, empathy, and an unwavering dedication to their growth and development. Through a comprehensive process involving social work visits, checks, references, and training, we ascertain that prospective foster parents possess the essential qualities to enact a transformative difference in a child’s life.
SOCIAL WORK VISITS
Once your application has been approved, you will be assigned an assessing social worker who will conduct your assessment. This process typically involves a series of 8-10 social work visits spread over 2 or 3 months.
During these visits, we will delve into your life story, discussing your family dynamics, relationships with parents, siblings, and children (if applicable), childhood experiences, and significant past relationships. We will also explore your work history, physical and mental well-being, motivation to foster, and other relevant aspects.
It’s natural to feel some apprehension about sharing challenging experiences from your life. However, we often find that these moments of vulnerability provide insight into your strength, resilience, and how you are likely to navigate difficult situations in the future.
Once all the necessary information has been gathered, your assessing social worker will compile a report. You will have the opportunity to review and sign off on the report before it is presented to the fostering panel for consideration.
CHECKS AND REFERENCE
- Comprehensive DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks for all individuals over the age of 18 residing in the fostering household.
- Verification through local authority checks.
- Collection of personal, employment, and former partner references.
- Completion of a medical assessment.
- Evaluation of pets within the household.
- Financial assessment.
INTRODUCTORY FOSTERING TRAINING
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are the steps you’ll need to take to apply to become an organic fostering foster carer:
- Take your first step – simply complete our online enquiry form or give us a call on 01612411332 .
- Initial call – we’ll give you a call, so you can learn more about fostering, the children we work with and the wrap around support we provide to our foster parents, plus answer any of your questions. If you’re ready to move forward, we’ll ask you a few questions and arrange a home visit.
- Home visit – one of our team will visit you at home, where we’ll spend more time getting to know you and vice versa. The visits tend to last between 1-2 hours and are a fantastic opportunity for you to find out everything you need to know to decide whether fostering is right for you. These can also be completed virtually via a video call.
- Apply to foster – you’ll need to complete an application form to be considered to become a foster parent. If successful, you’ll be allocated an independent assessing social worker, who start your fostering assessment. The application form can be completed online or via a hard copy that we can send to you.
Once your application has been approved, you’ll start your fostering assessment which generally takes around 4-6 months to complete.
As part of your fostering assessment, we’ll carry out various mandatory and optional background checks, such as an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service), local authority and health and safety checks, as well as collect a number of personal and professional references.
These checks and references are a vital part of the application process to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children and young people we may place with prospective foster carers.
Yes, our application form is available online.
However, first, you’ll need to speak to our fostering advisers, who will give you a call to take some initial details and then arrange for somebody to visit you at home, or via video call.
There are a number of stages within the fostering assessment, including:
- Social work visits with an Assessing Social Worker – normally 8-10 visits across several months.
- Background checks, including an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service).
- Personal and professional references.
- Training to prepare you in your role as a foster carer.
All the information gathered throughout the process will be brought together in a Form F report and presented to an independent fostering panel who will make a recommendation on your suitability to foster. The process generally takes 4-6 months to complete, however, timescales may vary depending on your personal circumstances.
From the moment you take your first step to approval, it generally takes around 4-6 months to complete your fostering assessment. However, these timescales may vary depending on your personal circumstances and availability for the social work visits.
No, there’s absolutely no cost to apply to foster.
Yes, background checks will need to be completed on all adults over the age of 18 years old who are living in the foster home.
Experience working with children and young people isn’t necessary, as our specialist training programme will provide you with all the skills and knowledge you need to make an extraordinary difference and become a true fostering professional.
Pre-approval training – preparing you for the role
Before you start your fostering career, you’ll attend some preparatory training that’s designed to give you a good idea of the work, what’s involved and what to expect.
New to fostering – developing your core skills
Once approved, you’ll attend a variety of training courses within your first year of fostering that are designed to help you complete your Training Support and Development Standards (TSDS).
These courses cover a range of vital topics, including safeguarding, child protection, creating a therapeutic childcare environment, paediatric first aid and more.
Advanced course – building specialist knowledge
We also have a wide range of other specialist courses to choose from, such as Autism Awareness, Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, Theraplay and keeping children safe online. Plus, the opportunity to study for professional qualifications such as NVQ3 or a QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care.
Will I be employed by Organic fostering or self-employed?
Foster carers are classed as self-employed and so you’ll, therefore, need to register as self-employed with HMRC and submit a tax return – also known as a self-assessment – every year while fostering.
While income from fostering is taxable, there are specialist tax rules that mean that you can earn up to a certain amount, absolutely tax-free.