How often are fostering medical checks repeated?

Fostering medical checks are usually reviewed at least annually, but a complete medical assessment is not automatically repeated in full every year. The fostering service normally considers whether your health information is still current as part of your regular foster carer review and requests further information only when it is needed.

The timing can vary because the purpose of the check is to confirm that you remain medically able to foster safely and meet the needs of children placed with you. A review may involve checking whether anything has changed since your last assessment, rather than repeating every examination or test.

A further medical check may be requested when:

• you report a new diagnosis, ongoing health problem, injury or operation;
• there has been a significant change in your physical or mental health;
• you start regular medication or your treatment changes;
• your previous medical information is no longer sufficiently up to date;
• your fostering service needs clarification about a condition or its likely impact on caring responsibilities;
• there is a change in the type of fostering you are considering or the needs of a child being considered for placement; or
• a medical adviser recommends a further assessment during a review.

Your fostering service should explain why updated information is needed and what you are being asked to provide. This could be a new medical questionnaire, information from your GP or another healthcare professional, or an appointment with a doctor carrying out fostering medical assessments. The exact arrangement depends on the fostering service and the circumstances.

An annual health review does not necessarily mean that you will undergo a full physical examination each year. If your circumstances are unchanged, the review may be limited to confirming that your existing information remains accurate. If there has been a relevant change, the medical adviser may ask more detailed questions or recommend further evidence before giving an updated opinion.

It is important to tell the fostering service about significant health changes rather than waiting for the next scheduled review. This includes changes that you think may be minor if they could affect stamina, mobility, concentration, emotional wellbeing, medication management or your ability to respond to a child’s needs. Providing accurate information helps the medical adviser assess the practical effect of the condition instead of relying on assumptions.

A request for a repeat check does not, by itself, mean that your fostering approval is at risk. The assessment is concerned with whether any health condition can be managed safely and whether appropriate support or adjustments are available. The medical adviser gives professional advice, while the fostering service considers that advice alongside the wider assessment and review information.

Health information should be handled confidentially and shared only with people who need it for fostering assessment, approval, review or placement decisions. You should have the opportunity to explain your circumstances and provide relevant evidence about treatment, management and day-to-day functioning.

If you are unsure whether a new health issue needs to be reported, ask your fostering service or supervising social worker before your next review. They can explain whether an updated medical opinion is likely to be required and guide you through the information needed.