Who pays for a fostering medical assessment?

In most cases, the fostering service pays for the medical assessment because it is a required part of the fostering assessment process. This may be the local authority or an independent fostering agency, depending on which organisation is assessing you. You should confirm the arrangement with your social worker before the appointment, particularly if the assessment involves your own GP or any further medical information.

The assessment is normally arranged through the fostering service’s medical adviser. Its purpose is to consider whether your health is compatible with fostering and whether you can provide safe, consistent care. The adviser reviews relevant health information, discusses any ongoing conditions or treatment, and may consider how your health could affect the practical demands of caring for a child.

If more than one person in a household is applying to foster, each applicant may need a medical assessment. The fostering service should explain whether it will arrange the appointments directly and how the costs will be handled. Where an applicant has an existing medical condition, the adviser may need further information from a GP or specialist before completing the assessment. Ask who will request this information and whether any separate charge could apply before giving consent.

Charges can depend on how the information is obtained. For example, there may be a difference between:

• an assessment arranged and paid for by the fostering service;
• information requested from your GP or another healthcare professional; and
• additional examinations, reports or tests requested to clarify a particular health matter.

These arrangements should be explained in advance. Do not assume that you need to pay simply because the appointment takes place at your GP surgery, and do not book an additional private appointment without first checking with the fostering service. If you are asked to pay a fee, request a clear explanation of what it covers and whether reimbursement is available under the agency’s procedure.

The medical assessment is confidential health information. The fostering service receives the information it needs to consider your suitability, rather than unrestricted access to your entire medical record. You will usually be asked to provide consent for relevant information to be requested and shared for the assessment. If you are unsure what will be sent to the agency, ask your social worker or the medical adviser before signing the consent form.

Payment of the assessment does not mean that approval is guaranteed, and a health condition does not automatically prevent someone from fostering. The medical adviser considers the individual circumstances, including the condition, treatment, stability, likely impact on daily care and the support available. The final fostering decision also takes account of the wider assessment, household circumstances and the needs of children requiring placement.

Before attending, ask the fostering service:

• who is arranging the assessment;
• who is paying for the appointment;
• whether you need to provide any documents or contact details for your GP;
• whether further reports or tests might be needed; and
• what to do if you are asked for payment by a healthcare provider.

Become a Foster Family can explain the medical-check stage, help you understand what information may be requested and guide you through the wider fostering application process. Its teams support prospective foster carers across the West Midlands, including Birmingham, Worcestershire, Staffordshire and surrounding areas.