How often is a foster carer’s approval reviewed?

A foster carer’s approval is formally reviewed through a structured assessment of their fostering practice, the children placed with them and their ability to continue meeting the terms of their approval. The review is not usually a new application. It is an opportunity to record progress, identify support or development needs and decide whether the current approval remains appropriate.

The review will normally draw on several sources of information, which may include:

• your supervising social worker’s assessment of your fostering practice;
• feedback from children and young people, where appropriate;
• comments from parents, teachers, social workers and other professionals involved in a child’s care;
• records of supervision meetings, significant events and placement progress;
• your training and development record;
• your reflections on what has gone well and what has been difficult; and
• any changes affecting your household, health, family circumstances or ability to foster.

You should have the opportunity to contribute your own views rather than simply receiving a decision. This may involve completing a review document, discussing your experiences with your supervising social worker and providing information about the support you need. It is useful to be open about challenges, because the purpose of a review is also to identify practical help, further training or changes to the way you are supported.

The review considers whether you continue to meet the skills and standards expected of a foster carer. It may look at how you have worked with professionals, maintained records, supported contact arrangements, promoted a child’s education and health, managed behaviour safely and contributed to planning for the child’s future. The focus will depend on your experience and the children you have cared for, so the discussion is not identical for every carer.

Following the review, the fostering service makes a recommendation about your approval. Possible outcomes include:

• continuing approval on the existing terms;
• agreeing additional training, supervision or support;
• changing the terms of approval, such as the age range, number of children or types of placements you can be considered for; or
• considering whether approval should be ended, where serious concerns mean that fostering can no longer continue safely.

A proposed change to approval should be explained to you, and you should be given the relevant information about the decision-making process. If the fostering service proposes to change or end your approval against your wishes, there are formal procedures for making representations and, where applicable, requesting consideration by the fostering panel or appealing through the relevant route. Your supervising social worker should explain what applies to your circumstances.

An additional review can be held between annual reviews if there is a significant change or concern. Examples might include a serious incident, a substantial change in household circumstances, a safeguarding issue or information that could affect your ability to care safely. This does not automatically mean approval will end; it means the situation needs to be assessed and an appropriate decision recorded.

Before a review, gather your training records, notes about support received, relevant placement information and any questions you want to raise. Tell your supervising social worker about changes in your household or circumstances, including changes that may affect availability for placements or the type of care you can provide. Preparing honestly gives the review a more accurate basis and helps ensure that any recommendations are realistic.

For foster carers supported by Become A Foster Family, the review forms part of the wider supervision, training and support process provided by the organisation’s regional teams. Local support is available across the West Midlands, including Birmingham, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Dudley, Sandwell, Herefordshire, Telford, Wolverhampton, Shropshire, Walsall, Warwickshire, Stoke, Solihull, Coventry and Gloucestershire.