The assessment process
What to Expect During Your Fostering Assessment
A fostering assessment is not a test of whether your life has been perfect. It is a thoughtful process that considers your experiences, strengths, household and ability to care safely for a child. It also gives you time to decide whether fostering and Organic Fostering are right for you.
Purpose
Why an assessment is required
Every prospective foster carer in England must be assessed before approval. Children in care may have experienced loss, uncertainty, abuse or neglect. The assessment helps establish whether an applicant can provide safe, stable and sensitive care while working with the professionals around the child.
Stage one
Stage one: practical information and checks
This stage considers your household, the practical arrangements around you and the safeguarding checks that every application must include.
Stage two
Stage two: you, your family and your experiences
Your assessing social worker will explore your life, your relationships and the understanding you bring to caring for children and young people.
Other household members will be involved in appropriate parts of the assessment.
The report
What is a Form F assessment?
The information is brought together in a detailed fostering assessment report, commonly called a Form F. It provides a balanced account of your background, household, checks, strengths, development needs and suitability, with recommended terms of approval.
You should have an opportunity to read and comment on the completed report before it is presented to panel.
Common questions
Visits, timescales and difficult experiences
How many visits will there be?
The number and format vary according to family circumstances and the information required. Some discussions may take place online, but the assessor also needs to understand your home environment.
How long does the assessment take?
GOV.UK says the full application can take up to eight months. Timing may be affected by checks, medical information, references, availability, family history, training and panel dates.
What if I have had a difficult past?
Difficult experiences do not automatically make someone unsuitable. They may demonstrate resilience, empathy and growth. The assessment considers how the experience affected you, how you managed it, what you learned and whether you can use that understanding safely. Be open with your assessor. The process works best when conversations are honest.
Preparation
Training during assessment
Applicants take part in preparation training as part of becoming a foster carer.
After the assessment
What happens next?
- 1
Your report goes to panel
The completed report is presented to a fostering panel.
- 2
Panel makes a recommendation
Panel reviews the information, meets you and makes a recommendation.
- 3
The agency decision maker decides
The agency decision maker then makes the formal decision.
Next step
Speak to our assessment team
Start your fostering enquiry, or read what happens once your completed report reaches panel.
Take the first step
Your fostering questions can start with one conversation
Tell us what you are thinking and ask what matters to you. A member of our Manchester team will explain the next step without pressure or obligation.