How long does the local fostering assessment process take?

The local fostering assessment timetable is measured from your formal application, not from your first enquiry. There is no single timetable for every household because the process must reflect your circumstances, the type of fostering you are considering and the information needed to assess your suitability.

What happens during the assessment? Once you decide to proceed, a fostering assessor will normally arrange a series of conversations and visits. These are designed to understand your motivation, family relationships, routines, support network, experience and ability to provide stability for a child. The assessor will also consider how fostering would fit alongside employment, existing children, pets, accommodation and other responsibilities.

The assessment is not simply a form-filling exercise. It involves looking at how your household operates and identifying the types of placements that may be appropriate. You should expect to discuss both your strengths and areas where further preparation may be useful. Where more information is needed, the assessor may arrange additional visits or ask for clarification before completing the assessment report.

Why can the timescale vary?

• How quickly information is provided: Delays can occur if forms, identity documents, references or health information are incomplete or take time to obtain.
• The complexity of your circumstances: Previous relationships, time spent living abroad, employment arrangements, health matters or other household considerations may require further information and professional discussion.
• Other people’s involvement: Adult members of the household will usually need to participate, and children may be included in age-appropriate discussions. Personal referees also need to respond fully.
• Training and preparation: Pre-approval training helps you understand safeguarding, behaviour, attachment, recording and working with professionals. The timing of available courses can affect the overall progress of an application.
• Panel arrangements: Once the assessment report is complete, it must be considered through the agency’s approval process. The panel reviews the evidence and makes a recommendation before the agency decision-maker confirms the outcome.

Some parts of the process can take place alongside one another, while other steps depend on earlier information being completed. For example, training may begin while enquiries are still being concluded, but a final recommendation cannot be made until the agency has enough evidence to assess your suitability safely and properly.

What may slow an assessment down? The most common causes are missing information, difficulty contacting referees, outstanding health advice, changes in household circumstances and uncertainty about the type of fostering sought. A move of home, a change in employment, a new relationship or a significant change affecting anyone in the household should be discussed with the assessor, as it may mean that part of the assessment needs to be reviewed.

A careful process should not be rushed simply to meet a preferred date. The purpose of the assessment is to reach a well-evidenced decision and to identify the support, training and placement characteristics that would be appropriate for your household. If the assessment identifies a concern, you should be given the opportunity to discuss it and explain any relevant circumstances.

How can you help the process progress?

• Return forms accurately and ask questions about anything you do not understand.
• Tell your assessor about changes in your household as soon as they arise.
• Let referees know what information they may be asked to provide and encourage them to respond promptly.
• Keep appointments and take part fully in training and assessment discussions.
• Prepare practical questions about placements, recording, contact arrangements, support and fostering allowances.

Your fostering agency should explain the expected stages, identify who is managing your assessment and tell you when progress reviews will take place. It is reasonable to ask which parts are complete, what information is outstanding and whether any issue is affecting the planned panel date. If your circumstances make the original plan unsuitable, the timescale should be discussed openly rather than assumed.

The final outcome may be approval, a request for further information or a decision that fostering is not suitable for your household at that point. Whatever the outcome, the assessment should be based on your individual circumstances and the needs of children who may be placed with you.