How long does it take to become a foster carer?

The time needed to become a foster carer is shaped by the assessment process, the checks required and your personal circumstances. Some stages can happen alongside one another, while others depend on information being returned before they can move forward. The process is designed to make sure fostering is right for you and that you can provide safe, consistent care.

The main stages are:

• Initial enquiry and discussion: You will have an opportunity to ask questions about fostering, explain your circumstances and understand the expectations involved. This is also when basic information about your household, accommodation and experience may be discussed.
• Initial visit: A fostering professional will usually arrange a visit to learn more about your home and family life. They can discuss practical issues such as bedroom arrangements, pets, work commitments, support networks and how fostering could fit into your household.
• Formal application: If you decide to continue, you complete an application and provide information needed for the assessment. The agency will explain what documents and details are required.
• Training: Pre-approval training helps you understand safeguarding, attachment, trauma, behaviour, relationships with birth families and the responsibilities of fostering. It also gives you a chance to consider how the role may affect your household.
• Statutory and personal checks: These normally include criminal record checks, health information, local authority checks, employment or personal references and checks concerning other members of the household where appropriate. The agency may need to contact previous local authorities or other organisations if relevant to your history.
• Assessment: A social worker considers your suitability, motivation, relationships, support network, experience and ability to meet the needs of children. They will speak with you and, where appropriate, other people in your household. The assessment is usually recorded in a detailed report for fostering panel.
• Fostering panel and agency decision: The panel reviews the assessment and makes a recommendation about approval. The agency decision-maker then makes the formal decision. If approved, your approval terms will set out the type of fostering that has been agreed, such as the age range or needs you are able to support.

What can make the process longer? Delays do not necessarily indicate a problem with an application. The timescale can be affected by the availability of applicants, social workers, household members and referees, as well as the time needed to obtain checks and medical information. A previous address history, time spent living abroad, complex family circumstances or information that needs further clarification can also require additional enquiries.

Household changes may affect progress too. For example, the agency may need to consider a change of employment, a move of home, a new relationship, a child reaching a different stage of development or another significant change in family circumstances. It is important to tell your assessing social worker about relevant changes rather than assuming they will not affect the application.

What can help keep your application moving?

• Return forms and supporting information carefully and promptly.
• Give referees advance notice and make sure their contact details are accurate.
• Be open about your health, relationships, employment, finances, previous addresses and any involvement with services. The agency needs accurate information to complete a fair assessment.
• Keep appointments for visits, interviews, medical assessments and training wherever possible.
• Discuss practical matters early, including who will provide support, how children in the household feel about fostering and how existing commitments would be managed.
• Ask your assessing social worker which stages are complete and what information is still outstanding.

The assessment is not simply an administrative process. It is an opportunity to identify the kind of fostering that may be suitable, the support you may need and any preparation that would strengthen your readiness. You may be asked to reflect on how you respond to challenging behaviour, manage boundaries, work with professionals and help a child maintain important relationships.

Approval is the point at which you become an approved foster carer; it is separate from being matched with a child or young person. The timing of a first placement can vary according to your approval terms, the needs of children requiring a home and whether a particular placement is suitable for your household. Your fostering team should explain the next steps and keep you informed throughout the assessment.

If your circumstances are not yet suitable, you can ask what would need to change before applying or continuing. Taking additional time to prepare, complete training or resolve an outstanding issue can be more appropriate than rushing a decision. A fostering adviser can explain the stages in your circumstances and help you understand what information is needed at each point.