The Fostering Process: Step by Step

The fostering process in the UK typically takes 4 to 8 months from initial enquiry to panel approval. Here's what happens at every stage — with no surprises.

Stage 1: Initial enquiry

You contact a fostering agency or local authority to express interest. This can be via phone, email, or an online form. During this conversation:

• Basic eligibility is checked (age, spare bedroom, right to reside)
• Your questions are answered
• An information pack is sent
• A home visit or information evening is arranged

125,195 fostering enquiries are made each year in England. Only 6% result in an approved carer. The process isn't difficult — but it is thorough.

Stage 2: Initial visit

A social worker visits your home to discuss fostering in more detail. This is informal — they want to understand your motivation, your home environment, and whether fostering could work for you.

They will look at:

• Your home — space, safety, bedroom for the child
• Your family — who lives with you, family dynamics
• Your motivation — why fostering?
• Your availability and support network

Stage 3: Skills to Foster training

Before assessment begins, you'll attend a preparation training course, usually called “Skills to Foster” or equivalent. This is typically delivered over 3–4 days (sometimes spread across evenings or weekends).

The course covers:

• What foster care really involves
• Understanding attachment and trauma
• Managing challenging behaviour
• Working with birth families
• Safeguarding and child protection
• Record-keeping and daily logs

Stage 4: Form F assessment

The Form F (sometimes called BAAF Form F) is the comprehensive assessment document. An assessing social worker visits your home over several months to gather detailed information about:

• Personal history — your childhood, education, employment
• Relationships — partner, family, support network
• Health — GP medical report
• Home — safety, space, environment
• Parenting capacity — your approach to discipline, empathy, resilience
• References — typically 6 referees (personal and professional)
• DBS checks — enhanced criminal record check for all household adults

This stage typically involves 6 to 10 home visits over 3 to 4 months. It can feel intensive, but the purpose is to build a complete picture — not to catch you out.

Stage 5: Fostering panel

Once assessment is complete, your Form F is presented to a fostering panel — an independent group of professionals and experienced foster carers who review your application.

At panel:

• You attend (usually with your assessing social worker)
• The panel asks questions about your assessment
• They make a recommendation: approve or defer
• A decision-maker (usually a senior manager) confirms the recommendation

If approved, you become a registered foster carer. If deferred, the panel will specify what additional work is needed before resubmission.

Stage 6: Matching and first placement

After approval, your agency matches you with a child whose needs align with your skills, experience, and home environment. Before a child is placed:

• You receive information about the child's background, needs, and routines
• Introductions are arranged (visits, phone calls, gradual transitions)
• A placement plan is agreed, covering care arrangements, contact, and support

How long does it take?

• Fast-track: Some agencies can approve experienced carers in 3–4 months
• Standard: Most assessments take 4–6 months
• Extended: Complex cases or delays in references/medicals can push to 8+ months

Key tips for a smooth process

1. Be honest. The assessment works best when you're open. Social workers are trained to support you, not judge you.
2. Start your references early. Delays in references are the most common cause of assessment holdups.
3. Keep records. Log your training, reading, and reflections — this contributes to your evidence.
4. Talk to your family. Everyone in your household needs to be on board.
5. Ask questions. There are no silly questions. Your social worker is there to help.

Next steps

Ready to start? Here's what we recommend:

1. Check who can foster to confirm your eligibility
2. Understand foster carer pay and allowances
3. Start free training on FosterReady — collect evidence as you learn
4. Find a fostering agency near you