How is the decision to approve a foster carer made?

The decision to approve a foster carer is a formal suitability decision based on evidence gathered during the assessment, the applicant’s preparation and training, and the fostering agency’s view of the types of fostering that may be appropriate. It is not based on one interview or a single person’s opinion. The information is considered in the round, with attention to safety, stability, skills, motivation and the applicant’s ability to meet children’s individual needs.

Before the decision is considered

The assessing social worker brings together information about the applicant and their household. This normally includes the completed assessment report, statutory and personal references, relevant checks, health information, identity and residence details, financial circumstances where relevant, and information about relationships, family life and support networks. The agency also considers how the applicant has engaged with preparation training and responded to questions or issues raised during the assessment.

The assessment should explain both strengths and areas that may need further support. For example, it may consider whether the applicant can:

• provide consistent care, boundaries and routines;
• understand the impact of trauma, neglect, abuse and disrupted relationships;
• work openly with social workers, schools, health professionals and a child’s family;
• recognise and manage safeguarding concerns;
• support a child’s identity, culture, religion and important relationships; and
• reflect on their own responses and accept advice, supervision and training.

Where there are concerns, the assessing social worker should discuss them with the applicant and record how they have been considered. Some matters may be resolved through additional information, further assessment, practical preparation or an agreed support plan. Other matters may mean that approval is not recommended, particularly where they could affect a child’s safety or the applicant’s ability to provide reliable care.

What the fostering panel considers

The assessment is presented to a fostering panel. The panel is made up of people with relevant experience and knowledge, and is separate from the social worker who carried out the assessment. Its role is to examine the evidence, ask questions where clarification is needed and make a recommendation about suitability.

The applicant may be invited to attend the panel meeting, usually with the opportunity to answer questions about their assessment or provide clarification. Attendance does not mean the applicant must give a presentation. The agency should explain what to expect and whether the assessing social worker or another professional will also attend. The panel may ask for additional information or recommend that a matter is addressed before it reaches a final decision.

When reaching its recommendation, the panel considers whether the applicant can provide a safe and appropriate standard of care and which placements may be suitable. It may recommend approval with specific terms, recommend that the assessment is not approved, or ask for further work before making its recommendation. The recommendation should be based on the evidence rather than on whether the applicant fits a particular image of a foster carer.

How the final outcome is confirmed

The agency’s decision-maker considers the assessment material and the panel’s recommendation before confirming the outcome. The decision-maker must give proper consideration to the panel’s views but remains responsible for making the agency’s decision. The outcome should be recorded and provided to the applicant in writing, together with the reasons for it.

If approval is granted, the written decision should make clear the terms of approval. These may set out the number of children who can be placed, their age range and other relevant restrictions or conditions. Terms are important because they define the placements the carer is approved to consider; they are not simply administrative details. A carer should understand what each term means before accepting a placement.

If approval is not recommended or refused

An applicant should be told about any concerns and given information about the applicable representations or review process. Depending on the stage reached and the nature of the decision, the applicant may be able to make representations to the agency or ask for the matter to be considered through the Independent Review Mechanism. The agency should explain the available route, the relevant deadlines and how to submit information.

A decision not to approve does not necessarily mean that every form of work with children is unsuitable, but it does mean that the agency has not been satisfied that fostering approval can be granted on the evidence available. Anyone receiving a negative decision should read the reasons carefully and obtain advice before deciding whether to challenge it or whether circumstances need to change before making a future application.

After approval, the carer continues to receive supervision, training and reviews. If circumstances change, or if the carer wishes to care for a different age group or type of placement, the terms of approval may need to be reconsidered through the agency’s procedures.