What medical information is shared with the fostering agency?

The fostering agency normally receives a professional summary of the health information relevant to your ability to foster, rather than unrestricted access to your entire medical record. The information is used to identify any support, adjustments or safeguards needed and to decide whether fostering can be undertaken safely.

As part of the fostering medical assessment, you will usually be asked about areas such as:

• your general physical health and any conditions that could affect day-to-day caring responsibilities;
• your mental health history, including treatment or support where it is relevant to your current wellbeing;
• prescribed medication and other ongoing treatment;
• significant operations, hospital admissions or recurring health problems;
• mobility, stamina, sleep or other practical issues that may affect caring for a child;
• any condition that could require planning in an emergency or additional support at home; and
• factors that may affect your ability to provide consistent care over time.

The assessing doctor may also consider information about previous illnesses or treatments if it helps form a complete and balanced view. This does not mean that every diagnosis automatically prevents approval. The focus is on how a condition is managed, its likely impact on fostering tasks, the support available and the needs of children who may be placed with you.

Usually, the agency receives the completed medical assessment or the medical practitioner’s advice rather than every consultation note, test result or unrelated detail held by your GP. If further information is needed, the doctor should explain what is being requested and why. You should normally be asked for consent before relevant information is obtained from another healthcare professional. If you do not understand a consent form, ask the fostering team or assessing doctor to explain its scope before signing it.

The report may be considered by the agency’s medical adviser, assessing social worker and other people involved in making the approval recommendation. Where necessary, relevant information can also be included in documents considered by the fostering panel or decision-maker. Only information that has a bearing on the assessment should be included, and it should not be circulated more widely than necessary.

Health information is classed as sensitive personal data. The agency should handle it under applicable data protection rules, keep it securely and explain in its privacy information how it is used, who may receive it, how long it is retained and what rights you have. You can ask the agency how your information will be stored, request access to personal information held about you, and raise any inaccuracies or concerns about information that appears irrelevant or out of date.

If your health changes during the assessment or after approval, tell the agency so that appropriate advice and support can be considered. Sharing an update does not by itself mean that approval will be affected; the relevant issue is whether the change has implications for your ability to care safely and what arrangements may address them.

Before the medical appointment, prepare a clear list of current medication, important dates and the contact details of relevant healthcare professionals. Be open about your history and ask how any information will be recorded. A complete and accurate account gives the agency’s medical adviser the best basis for providing advice that is specific to your circumstances.