A Clear Assessment Route
Understand how the fostering application progresses from initial enquiry towards formal assessment, including the main stages you may need to complete.
Fostering Assessment Stage 1
Fostering assessment Stage 1 is the initial planning stage, where you consider your readiness, circumstances and reasons for fostering. Learn what a foster parent plan should cover, then speak with our West Midlands team to begin your application.
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What to Include in Your Foster Parent Plan
A foster parent plan is a practical record of how fostering could work within your household. It should set out preferred age ranges, types of placement, space available, household routines and any factors that may affect day-to-day care.
Use the plan to identify questions before formal assessment activity begins. Consider transport, school runs, work commitments, support network, pets, cultural or religious needs, and how other household members feel about starting a foster home.
It is not a final commitment or guarantee of approval; circumstances can be reviewed as enquiries progress. Share the document with your assessing team, who can explain required checks and help you refine it before moving forward.
Your Next Steps
Use Stage 1 to organise key questions, identify information needed, and decide whether to progress towards a formal fostering assessment process.
Support to Shape Your Fostering Assessment
During Stage 1, your assessing team explains the application route, answers questions and outlines how the assessment is considered. This gives you a clear starting point before formal assessment activity begins.
You can discuss training, statutory checks and likely assessment steps, while raising concerns that may affect your decision. Guidance helps you understand expectations, identify any documents required and decide whether to take the next step towards starting a foster home.
Household Considerations
Review how fostering may affect everyone in your household, including routines, relationships, available space and the support you may need.
Preparation for Checks
Identify the information and documents that may be needed for statutory checks, helping you prepare accurately before formal assessment activity begins.
Questions Addressed Early
Raise practical or personal concerns with your assessing team so you can make an informed decision about whether to continue with the fostering process.
Questions to Ask Before Starting Your Foster Care Assessment
What does a foster parent plan influence during Stage 1?
Keep it as a working document: record realistic routines, available space, household responsibilities, support arrangements and unresolved concerns, then update it when circumstances or understanding changes during the enquiry process.
Who should contribute to your foster parent plan during Stage 1?
Include everyone affected by fostering: applicants, partners, household members and children, with age-appropriate input. Discuss responsibilities, privacy, relationships and worries, so the plan reflects genuine household agreement before assessment begins.
What happens if your foster parent plan is not yet complete?
An incomplete plan does not usually stop an enquiry. Your assessing team can identify missing information, explain expectations, and agree what needs clarifying before formal assessment activity proceeds in full.
Should your foster parent plan include your household finances?
Yes. Record income, regular outgoings, debts, employment changes and the impact of fostering. This helps assess affordability, identify questions about allowances, and clarify whether additional planning or advice is needed.
How is a foster parent plan reviewed during Stage 1?
During Stage 1, the assessing team reviews your plan against fostering requirements, checks whether information is consistent and realistic, highlights gaps, and explains any changes needed before progression to formal assessment.
What Happens During Fostering Assessment Stage 1
Stage 1 of a fostering assessment establishes whether your circumstances can support an application before detailed evidence is gathered. The steps below explain the practical decisions, information checks and planning points involved in moving forward.
- 1
Make an Initial Enquiry
Begin by sharing basic information about yourself, your household and why you are considering fostering. The fostering team can outline the assessment route, answer initial questions and explain what information will be needed.
- 2
Review Basic Eligibility
Check whether you meet the starting requirements for fostering, including your age, accommodation, legal right to live in the UK and whether you have enough space for a child. Some requirements depend on individual circumstances and will be discussed during the enquiry.
- 3
Consider Household Suitability
The assessment considers everyone who lives in or regularly visits your home. Discuss relationships, household responsibilities and any issues that could affect safe and consistent care, so these can be considered before progressing.
- 4
Identify Required Checks
Your assessing team will explain the checks involved in fostering, which may include identity, criminal record, health, employment and personal references. Gather accurate information early and disclose relevant details openly.
- 5
Understand the Next Stage
Before moving into the detailed assessment, confirm what happens next, which documents remain outstanding and whether preparation training is required. Use this discussion to make an informed decision about continuing your application.
Turning Your Foster Parent Plan Into an Application
Fostering assessment Stage 1 is the first formal part of the approval process. It is used to gather essential information about you and your household, confirm that you meet the basic requirements to apply, and identify any matters that need further consideration.
During this stage, your fostering service will discuss your reasons for fostering, family relationships, health, employment and home circumstances. You may also be asked to provide personal information and consent to the checks and references needed to establish whether an assessment can proceed.
Stage 1 does not decide whether you will become approved foster parents. Once the initial information has been considered, the fostering service will explain whether to move on to Stage 2, where your suitability and ability to care for children are assessed in greater depth. If you continue, information from Stage 1 helps shape the rest of your assessment.
Questions About Fostering Assessment Stage 1
Can single applicants complete fostering assessment Stage 1?
Keep identity, address, employment and household records organised. Ask which items must be verified before submitting anything, and retain copies for your records. This keeps information consistent throughout assessment stages.
How long does fostering assessment Stage 1 take?
Stage 1 timing varies with your circumstances, how promptly information is provided, and required checks. Your fostering service should explain milestones and tell you about potential delays or changes.
What eligibility checks are made during fostering assessment Stage 1?
Eligibility checks may cover your legal right to foster, household suitability, health, criminal record, finances and references. The service explains consent requirements and considers any issues individually before moving forward.
Should a foster parent plan include childcare arrangements?
Yes—outline planned childcare arrangements, including who will provide care during school hours, holidays, appointments and emergencies. Explain how arrangements support placement routines and meet fostering service expectations in practice.
What should a foster parent plan say about your reasons for fostering?
Explain what has led you to fostering, your understanding of children’s needs, and the contribution you hope to make. Be honest about expectations, motivations and potential challenges you may face.
Discuss Your Foster Parent Plan
If you are ready to explore fostering, contact our team to discuss your circumstances and questions. We can explain the next steps, clarify the information needed, and help you decide whether to continue.