The fostering process
Your Step-by-Step Journey to Becoming a Foster Carer
The fostering process takes you from an informal first question to assessment, preparation, approval and careful matching. Every stage has a clear purpose, and you retain time to decide whether fostering and Organic Fostering are right for you.
Timing
How long does the process take?
GOV.UK advises that the process can take up to eight months.
Checks, references, availability and individual circumstances all affect timing, so the length of an assessment varies from household to household.
Stage by stage
The eight stages of the fostering journey
- 1
Initial conversation
Speak with an adviser about your interest, household and questions. We explain the role, discuss eligibility and outline the process.
- 2
Initial home visit
A team member meets you and your household. The conversation covers motivation, family life, space, support, work, availability and practical questions.
- 3
Formal application
If progressing is appropriate, you complete an application. You can only be assessed by one fostering service at a time. Give accurate information and disclose matters you think may be relevant.
- 4
Checks and references
Safeguarding checks include enhanced DBS, local authority enquiries, medical information, references, home safety, pet assessment where relevant and other checks required by your circumstances.
- 5
Fostering assessment
Your assessing social worker holds a series of conversations with you and your household. You explore life experiences, relationships, identity, health, resilience, parenting capacity and support. This forms the Form F assessment report. Use the stage to reflect honestly. You are not expected to present a perfect life.
- 6
Preparation training
You take part in preparation training covering children's experiences, trauma and attachment, safeguarding, behaviour, safer caring, identity, teamwork, records, family time and the effect of fostering on your household.
- 7
Panel and decision
The fostering panel reviews your assessment and meets you, then makes a recommendation. The agency decision maker confirms the formal decision.
- 8
Induction and matching
After approval, the team considers suitable referrals against your approval, skills, experience, culture, location, household and current capacity.
Go deeper
Read more about the key stages
Four stages of the journey have their own detailed pages.
Choosing an agency
A two-way decision
You are also assessing the agency. Ask about out-of-hours support, supervision, training, payments, respite, matching, support for birth children, complaints, allegations, reviews and help during difficult placements.
Good fostering depends on honest information and trust on both sides.
Organic FosteringTake the first step
Your first enquiry is only a conversation
Ask your questions, include your family and take the time you need.
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.