What does an independent fostering agency’s annual foster carer review cover?

An independent fostering agency’s annual review is a formal assessment of a foster carer’s continuing suitability, practice and approval. It brings together information from the previous year, gives the carer an opportunity to discuss their experience, and records any decisions or actions needed before the next review.

The review is normally held within 12 months of approval and then at least once every year. The agency will explain how its review process works and what information it needs beforehand. Preparation may include updating personal details, completing a review form and providing evidence of training or other development activity.

During the review, the agency will usually consider:

• the placements undertaken, including the carer’s contribution to children’s care, safety, education, health and relationships;
• the carer’s work with social workers, schools, health professionals, birth families and other members of the professional network;
• supervision records, placement records, daily logs and other required documentation;
• training completed and how learning has been applied in practice;
• any changes in the household, accommodation, employment, health or circumstances that could affect fostering;
• safer caring arrangements, safeguarding practice and compliance with the agency’s policies;
• complaints, allegations, significant incidents, disruptions or other matters requiring reflection; and
• the carer’s views about the support received and any further help they believe would be useful.

The agency may seek information from other people involved in fostering, such as supervising social workers, children’s social workers or education and health professionals. Feedback from children and young people, where appropriate and safe to obtain, can help show how the placement has been experienced. The carer should be given an opportunity to respond to information that is relevant to the review.

A review is not usually a complete repeat of the original approval assessment. It is an ongoing check that the carer remains able to meet the needs of children placed with them. However, the agency will look more closely at any significant change or concern. Examples could include a change to household members, a new health issue, a serious incident, a safeguarding concern, repeated recording problems or a request to care for children with different needs.

The meeting itself should allow the foster carer to discuss what has gone well, what has been difficult and what practical or professional development would help. This can include reflecting on the impact of a placement ending, managing contact arrangements, supporting behaviour, responding to trauma or working with children who have additional needs. The review should also consider whether the carer’s approval terms remain appropriate for the types of placements they are able to accept.

At the end, the agency will record an outcome. Depending on the evidence, this may be a recommendation to continue approval without changes, continue approval with updated terms, or introduce specific actions. An action plan should identify what needs to happen, who is responsible and how progress will be checked. Actions might involve further training, updated household documents, additional supervision or a review of safer caring arrangements.

Some reviews require consideration by the fostering panel. This commonly includes a first review, a proposed change to approval, or a recommendation to end or reinstate approval. The panel considers the information provided and makes a recommendation to the agency decision-maker. The final decision and its reasons should be communicated to the foster carer and recorded in the review documentation.

If the agency identifies a serious concern, it may take steps outside the ordinary annual review process. This could include a separate safeguarding investigation, a temporary change to placement arrangements or an urgent review of approval. An annual review should not be treated as a substitute for immediate action where a child may be at risk.

Foster carers should read the completed record carefully and make sure it accurately reflects their views. They can raise inaccuracies, add comments and ask how an action or decision can be challenged under the agency’s complaints or representations procedure. Keeping a copy of the review outcome and action plan makes it easier to track progress throughout the following year.