How long does foster carer recruitment take?

For many applicants, becoming an approved foster carer takes several months rather than a few weeks. In England, the fostering assessment is normally expected to be completed within six months of a formal application, although exceptional circumstances can extend this. The overall timeframe also depends on completing training, checks, medical information and the agency decision process.

The main stages are:

• Initial enquiry and information gathering: You can ask questions about fostering, discuss your circumstances and learn what the role involves. This helps establish whether fostering may be suitable before you make a formal application.
• Application: Once you decide to proceed, you complete the required application paperwork. The information provided at this stage helps the fostering service plan the assessment and identify any matters that need further discussion.
• Initial checks and preparation: Checks generally include criminal record checks, references, identity and household information, employment details where relevant, and medical information. Everyone in the household may need to contribute information, depending on their age and circumstances.
• Training: Pre-approval training introduces the responsibilities of fostering and the needs of children who may have experienced instability, loss or trauma. Completing the required training is an important part of demonstrating your readiness to foster.
• Home assessment: A social worker meets with you and other relevant members of your household to explore your motivation, relationships, support network, experience, health, lifestyle and ability to provide consistent care. They will also consider your home and the types of placements that could be appropriate.
• Fostering panel and decision: The completed assessment is presented to a fostering panel, which makes a recommendation about your suitability. The fostering service’s decision-maker then considers the recommendation and confirms whether approval is granted and what approval terms should apply.

These stages do not always happen in a perfectly straight line. For example, training may take place while checks are still being completed, and further information may be requested during the assessment. Panel dates can also affect when a completed assessment is considered.

Factors that can affect the timescale include:

• how quickly application forms and supporting documents are returned;
• the time needed to obtain criminal record checks, references and medical information;
• previous periods of living or working overseas, where additional checks may be necessary;
• the complexity of your household or personal circumstances;
• the availability of household members for meetings, interviews and training;
• whether further information or clarification is needed during the assessment; and
• the date of the next suitable fostering panel.

You can help keep the process moving by being open about your circumstances from the beginning, returning documents promptly, informing your assessor about any changes in your household, and making time for scheduled meetings and training. Delays are not necessarily a sign that there is a problem with your application; checks and assessment are designed to build a complete picture of your ability to foster safely and consistently.

Your assessor should explain what is happening at each stage, identify any outstanding information and tell you what needs to happen next. If your circumstances change during recruitment—for example, if you move home, change employment, experience a significant health issue or someone joins your household—tell the fostering service, as this may affect the assessment or the type of approval being considered.

The process ends with a formal approval decision, but approval terms may still be discussed carefully. These can include the age range, number of children and types of placements you are considered able to provide. The aim is to reach a decision that reflects both your strengths and the needs you can safely meet.

When you contact us, we can explain the expected stages for your situation, what information will be needed and how to prepare for assessment and training. Our teams support applicants throughout the West Midlands, including Birmingham, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Dudley, Sandwell, Herefordshire, Telford, Wolverhampton, Shropshire, Walsall, Warwickshire, Stoke, Solihull, Coventry and Gloucestershire.