What happens after I submit a foster carer application?

After you submit a foster carer application, the agency moves from initial enquiry to a formal suitability assessment. The application is only the starting point: the agency will build a fuller picture of your household, circumstances, experience, strengths and ability to meet the needs of children in care before a decision is made.

The first stage is usually a review of the information you have provided. The agency may contact you to clarify answers, request additional information or discuss anything that needs further consideration. You should be open about changes to your circumstances, including changes to your health, household, employment, relationship, finances or accommodation. Sharing information early is important because the assessment must be based on an accurate and current picture of your family life.

You will normally have opportunities to discuss the assessment with a social worker or another member of the fostering team. These discussions are not simply about whether you have brought up children before. They explore your understanding of fostering, your reasons for applying, how you respond to stress, how you work with professionals and how you would support a child who may have experienced neglect, abuse, loss or disruption.

Where you are applying as a couple, both applicants will be assessed individually and together. Other household members may also be involved, because fostering affects everyone living in the home. The agency will consider relationships within the household, available space, pets, routines, childcare arrangements and any other factor that could affect a child’s safety or wellbeing.

You should expect to take an active role throughout the assessment. This may include:

• providing documents or information requested by the agency;
• being available for planned conversations and home visits;
• reflecting honestly on your skills, experiences and areas where you need to develop;
• discussing how fostering could affect your household and existing commitments;
• asking questions when you are unsure about a requirement or recommendation; and
• telling the agency about relevant changes rather than waiting until the assessment is complete.

The information gathered is brought together in a written assessment report. This report should explain the evidence considered, your strengths, any concerns or limitations, the types of fostering that may be suitable and the support or development needs identified. You should have an opportunity to discuss the report and raise factual inaccuracies or points you believe have been misunderstood. It is reasonable to ask how the evidence has led to the recommendations made about your application.

The completed report is considered by the fostering panel. The panel is made up of people with relevant experience and knowledge of fostering, social care and related areas. It considers the assessment evidence and makes a recommendation about whether you should be approved, and, where appropriate, the terms of that approval. Terms may relate to factors such as the number, age range or type of placements that the agency believes you can safely support.

The panel’s recommendation is not usually the final decision. The agency’s decision-maker considers the recommendation and the supporting information before making the formal decision. You should be told the outcome and given information about what it means. If you are approved, the agency will discuss the next steps, including how placements are considered and the practical support available to you as a foster carer.

Approval does not mean that a child is placed immediately or that every placement will be suitable. Matching considers the child’s needs alongside your household, skills, approval terms, location and the support required. You should be given relevant information about a proposed placement so that you can make an informed decision about whether it is appropriate for your family.

If the agency identifies concerns during the process, this does not necessarily mean that your application ends at once. You should be told what the concern is and, where appropriate, whether further information, development or assessment is needed. In some cases, an application may not proceed or approval may not be recommended. Ask the agency to explain the reasons, the decision-making process and any review or representation rights that apply to your circumstances.

There is no need to treat the application as a test that you must complete perfectly. A robust assessment depends on honest conversations, including areas where you have less experience or need further guidance. Before submitting an application, consider whether you are ready to provide complete information and engage openly with the assessment, because that gives the agency the clearest basis for deciding whether fostering is suitable for you and your household.