What happens during the foster carer assessment process?

The foster carer assessment process is a structured period of information-gathering, discussion and preparation. It is designed to establish whether you can provide safe, consistent and suitable care for a child or young person, while also giving you a realistic understanding of fostering and the responsibilities involved.

Initial discussion and information gathering

After you make an enquiry, a fostering professional will discuss your circumstances, reasons for fostering and the type of fostering you are considering. This is an opportunity to explain your household, work commitments, relationships, previous experience of caring for children and the support available to you.

You should also expect questions about your health, accommodation, finances, lifestyle and any significant events in your personal history. These questions are not intended to judge you against an unrealistic standard. They help the assessing social worker understand your strengths, identify any areas that may need further exploration and consider what support or preparation could be helpful.

Stage 1: preliminary checks

In England, fostering assessments are commonly arranged in two stages. Stage 1 involves the initial checks and information needed to decide whether it is appropriate to proceed to a full assessment. These checks can include:

• identity and right-to-work or residency information, where relevant;
• criminal record checks for applicants and other household members who require them;
• local authority and social care checks;
• health information, normally provided through your GP or another medical professional;
• personal and professional references;
• details of your household, employment, finances and accommodation; and
• information about any previous involvement with fostering, adoption or other caring roles.

The agency will explain which checks apply to each member of your household. A criminal record or previous social care involvement does not automatically mean that you cannot foster. The relevance, seriousness, timing and circumstances will be considered carefully, with safeguarding as the priority.

Stage 2: the full fostering assessment

If the preliminary checks support progressing, an assessing social worker carries out a more detailed assessment. This usually involves several meetings, rather than one interview. The discussions may take place with you individually, with you and your partner together, and with other people in the household where their views are relevant.

The social worker will explore your childhood, family relationships, significant experiences, values, education, employment and previous caring responsibilities. You will be asked to consider how these experiences might influence your response to a child who has experienced neglect, abuse, separation or loss.

The assessment also considers practical matters, including:

• how you respond to stress, uncertainty and challenging behaviour;
• your ability to work with birth parents, social workers, schools and other professionals;
• how you would promote a child’s identity, culture, religion and important relationships;
• your understanding of safer caring, confidentiality and safeguarding;
• how fostering could affect your existing relationships and routines;
• the views and needs of children already living in your household;
• your available support network and how you would use it responsibly; and
• the bedroom, space, privacy and safety arrangements in your home.

Home assessment and household involvement

The assessing social worker will visit your home to discuss where a foster child would sleep, how the household is organised and whether the environment is suitable. This is not simply an inspection of decoration or possessions. The focus is on safety, stability, privacy and whether the home can accommodate a child’s needs.

Everyone in the household has a part to play in the assessment. Partners are assessed jointly, and children or other household members may be asked how they feel about fostering in an age-appropriate way. Pets, visitors, working patterns and regular childcare arrangements may also be discussed because they can affect the safety and experience of a foster placement.

Training and preparation

Preparation training normally forms part of the assessment journey. It covers the realities of fostering and helps applicants think through subjects such as attachment, trauma, behaviour, safeguarding, safer caring, communication and working with the wider professional network.

Training is not a test that expects you to know everything in advance. It is intended to help you reflect on your current skills, identify learning needs and decide whether fostering is right for your household. The assessing social worker will consider how you participate, what you have learned and how you apply it to practical situations.

References and verification

References provide information about your character, reliability, relationships and ability to care for children. Referees may be asked about your personal circumstances and how you manage responsibility. The agency may need to clarify information or request additional evidence if an answer is incomplete or circumstances have changed.

It is important to be open throughout the assessment. Withholding relevant information can create safeguarding concerns and make the process more difficult. Discussing a concern early gives the assessing social worker a chance to understand the context and advise what information is needed.

The assessment report

When the evidence has been gathered, the assessing social worker writes a detailed report, often known as a Form F assessment. It brings together your background, household circumstances, checks, references, training, strengths, areas for development and the types of fostering that may be suitable.

You should have the opportunity to read the report, correct factual inaccuracies and provide comments before it is presented. Professional concerns should not be ignored, but the report should accurately reflect your views and the evidence collected. You can ask the social worker to explain terminology or any recommendation you do not understand.

Fostering panel and the final decision

The completed report is presented to an independent fostering panel. Panel members review the evidence, ask questions and consider whether the assessment demonstrates that you can meet the relevant fostering standards. You may be invited to attend and answer questions, although the exact arrangements will be explained in advance.

The panel makes a recommendation about approval, including the proposed terms of approval. These may relate to the number, age range or characteristics of children you can foster. The agency’s decision maker then considers the panel’s recommendation and makes the final approval decision. Approval is not complete until that decision has been made and confirmed.

If concerns arise during the assessment

An assessment does not have to proceed in a straight line. Further checks, clarification, training or advice may be needed, and the assessment may be paused if important information is outstanding. If the agency decides not to recommend approval, it should explain the reasons and tell you about the relevant review or representation process.

You can also decide that fostering is not right for you before the assessment reaches panel. Taking time to ask questions, discuss concerns with your household and understand the expectations is a sensible part of making an informed decision.

How to prepare

• Be ready to discuss your personal history honestly and thoughtfully.
• Tell the agency about everyone in your household, including regular visitors and caring arrangements.
• Consider who could provide practical and emotional support.
• Read information provided about safeguarding, safer caring and the responsibilities of foster carers.
• Keep documents and contact details for referees available.
• Ask for explanations whenever a question, check or recommendation is unclear.

A good assessment should be thorough, balanced and based on evidence. It is not only a decision-making exercise: it helps identify the type of fostering that may suit your household and the preparation needed before a child is placed with you.