How does a fostering agency review my approval after I become a foster carer?

A fostering agency reviews your approval at least once every year to confirm that you remain suitable to foster and that your approval continues to meet the needs of children placed with you. The review looks at your fostering practice, training, support, placements, household circumstances and any concerns or changes since your approval was granted. It is a formal review of your suitability and approval terms, rather than a completely new fostering assessment.

The first review takes place within 12 months of approval and is presented to the fostering panel. Later reviews are also completed annually, although the agency may refer a later review to its panel where this is appropriate or where there has been a significant change or concern. The agency’s decision-maker considers the review information and confirms whether your approval should continue, be varied or be ended.

As part of the process, your supervising social worker will usually prepare a review report. You should have the opportunity to read the report, discuss its contents and provide your comments before it is considered. The report may include:

• your experience of caring for children and young people placed with you;
• feedback from children’s social workers, the children themselves where appropriate, and other professionals;
• your attendance at training and participation in supervision;
• your understanding and use of safeguarding, safer caring and recording procedures;
• any allegations, complaints, incidents, placement disruptions or significant events;
• your health, household circumstances and ability to continue meeting the needs of fostered children; and
• your current training, development and support needs.

The agency will also consider whether your approval terms are still appropriate. These terms can cover matters such as the number of children you may foster, their age range, sex, relationship to one another and the type of placements you can accept. For example, a change in your household, employment, health, accommodation or caring responsibilities may mean that the agency needs to review the terms of your approval. You can also ask the agency to consider a change if your skills, experience or circumstances have developed.

The review should include your views, not just the agency’s assessment of your practice. You can explain what has gone well, identify difficulties, comment on the support you have received and describe any additional help or training that would assist you. If other members of your household are affected by fostering, their views may also be relevant. The agency should take account of the impact of fostering on the wider household without treating ordinary, manageable challenges as evidence that approval must end.

A review may result in several different outcomes:

• approval continues with the existing terms;
• approval continues but the terms are changed;
• additional training, supervision or support is agreed;
• the agency identifies actions to complete before the next review; or
• the agency proposes to suspend, vary or terminate approval.

A recommendation to change or end approval should not be treated as an informal decision. The agency must follow the relevant fostering regulations and its own procedures, giving you information about the concerns, the proposed decision and the opportunity to make representations. Depending on the circumstances, the matter may be considered by the fostering panel before the agency’s decision-maker makes the final decision. If approval is terminated or significantly changed, the agency should explain the available review or appeal route, including any independent review process that applies.

A review can be brought forward before the annual date if there is a serious incident, a safeguarding concern, a substantial change in circumstances or a request to change approval terms. This does not necessarily mean that approval will be withdrawn. It means the agency needs to consider whether the current arrangements remain safe and suitable, and what action is required.

To prepare, keep records of completed training, supervision discussions, appointments, significant incidents and any agreed actions. Consider whether your safer-caring arrangements remain realistic for the children in your care. It is also useful to think about the support you need, whether your household circumstances have changed and whether the approval terms still reflect the placements you can safely undertake. Ask to see the review report early enough to correct factual errors and add your comments.

When comparing fostering agencies, ask how they conduct annual reviews, who contributes information, when you receive the report, how your views are recorded and what happens if the agency proposes a change to your approval. You can also ask how urgent concerns are handled between reviews and how the agency distinguishes between a need for further support and a concern about ongoing suitability. Clear answers will help you understand how decisions about your approval are made after you become a foster carer.