What support is available during the fostering assessment?

Support during the fostering assessment usually comes from a supervising social worker or assessing social worker, who guides you through the evidence required to assess your suitability to foster. You should have opportunities to ask questions, discuss concerns and understand what is happening at each stage, rather than being expected to manage the process alone.

Your assessing social worker will help you understand the assessment criteria and how your circumstances are considered. This may include your relationships, health, living arrangements, experience of caring for children, support network, finances and ability to work with professionals. Their role is not simply to collect information: they should explain why questions are being asked and give you the opportunity to provide context or correct misunderstandings.

Help with the application and evidence may include guidance on completing forms, identifying suitable referees and gathering documents. You may be asked to provide information about your identity, household, employment, health and family background. If something is unclear or difficult to obtain, discuss it with your assessing social worker rather than leaving it incomplete. They can explain what is needed and whether alternative evidence may be appropriate.

Training is an important part of the assessment. Pre-approval training introduces subjects such as safeguarding, attachment, trauma, behaviour, identity and working with birth families. It gives you the chance to learn how fostering differs from parenting and to consider how you would respond to realistic situations. Training is also a useful opportunity to identify areas where you need further information before deciding whether fostering is right for your household.

Checks and references are normally explained as they are arranged. These can include criminal-record checks, health information, personal references and checks relating to other household members where relevant. The purpose is to understand any factors that could affect a child’s safety or welfare. A previous conviction, health condition or difficult personal experience does not automatically provide the answer; the relevance, seriousness, timing and circumstances will be considered. Be open and provide accurate information so it can be assessed fairly.

Household members may also need support. Adults in the home should understand what fostering involves, while children may need age-appropriate explanations about privacy, boundaries, sharing space and changes to family life. Your assessing social worker can help you discuss these issues and consider how everyone in the household feels. Wider family members and friends may also form part of your support network, so it is useful to involve people who may be able to offer practical or emotional support.

You should receive preparation for the fostering panel or decision-making stage. Your assessment report will bring together the information gathered and explain the recommendation. You should have the opportunity to read the report, point out factual errors and raise questions before it is considered. You can also ask what will happen at the panel, who will attend and whether you will be invited to contribute. The decision is based on the full assessment, not on whether every part of your background is completely straightforward.

Support should continue if the assessment identifies issues that need clarification or further work. This might involve obtaining additional information, discussing a concern in more detail, completing further training or considering what practical changes would be needed in your home or routines. It is reasonable to ask what has prompted a request, what evidence is required and how your progress will be reviewed.

You can make the most of the assessment support by:

• keeping a written list of questions and bringing it to meetings;
• being honest about strengths, difficulties and areas where you need guidance;
• allowing time to discuss the assessment with other members of your household;
• asking for unfamiliar terms or professional language to be explained;
• checking that you understand any actions agreed after a meeting; and
• raising concerns promptly if information in a report is inaccurate or you do not understand the next step.

The assessment is also your opportunity to decide whether fostering fits your circumstances. You do not have to pretend to know everything at the outset. A constructive assessment should help you understand the responsibilities involved, identify the training and support you may need, and make an informed decision about proceeding.