What to expect in a fostering assessment

When researching the foster care process, the thought of having to complete a fostering assessment can be daunting. It’s important to remember that although it’s a thorough process, its main purpose is to allow us to get to know you and determine what type of foster carer you’d be.

In this guide, we’ll explain the main steps involved in the fostering assessment process here at FosterCare UK, along with the common questions you’ll likely be asked during the final stage of your assessment, the fostering panel interview.

Step one: Home Visit

The first step of the foster care assessment is the initial home visit. This is where we get to know you – it will have a more casual feel. This is the point where we make sure you fit the foster care requirements, and make sure your home is suitable for your new foster child.

The initial home visit is attended by one of our fostering recruitment agents, and possibly a social worker and manager. From your side, the main carer and or partner will need to attend the visit, and you can include other household members, such as older children.

Some of the questions that could be included in the home visit could include;

Fostering assessment questions

Home Circumstances

1. How would you describe your current living arrangements?
2. Are there any safety hazards or concerns in your home that need addressing before you begin caring for a foster child?
3. How do you plan to provide a safe and comfortable space for your foster child?

Family life

1. What is your current relationship status?
2. What does your current family dynamic look like?
3. How do you handle conflicts and communication in your family?

Fostering requirements

1. Why do you want to become a foster carer?
2. How is your general health currently?
3. Are you over the age of 21?

Types of fostering placements

1. What type of foster placement do you feel would suit you best? (e.g Long term or Short term, parent and child foster care, MATTs)
2. Are you willing to consider sibling groups?
3. Would you be willing to consider children with special educational needs?

Childcare experience

1. Do you have any relevant childcare experience such as parenting, teaching or other roles?
2. If so, what is your experience?
3. Do you have any specific skills that could be transferable?

Background and history

1. How is your mental and physical health?
2. Do you have any criminal convictions?
3. What are your hobbies?

Step two: Form F Assessment

After the initial home visit, if both you and the assessing team agree to move to the next stage of the assessment, you and your social worker will work together to complete the Form F assessment. This is a document that will explain why you want to become a foster carer and provide proof that you are a suitable candidate. It’ll drill down further into the questions asked in the initial home visit as well as include planned meetings to gather and share information.

The Form F Assessment will include a number of checks and references including;

• Medical check: You will require a medical check at your local GP, the cost of this will be paid by Foster Care UK. Your medical history will not be shared with us, but your GP will make recommendations and let us know if there are any reasons that might affect your ability to look after children.
• Local authority check: We will also check with your local authority to ensure you are not known to social services for any reason that may compromise your application.
• DBS check: A DBS check is a way for employers to check your criminal record and determine whether it’s suitable for you to work with children and become a foster carer.
• Financial checks: We provide a foster care allowance to ensure your foster child is looked after and you are fairly compensated for your work. However, we will check that you’re in the right financial position for the responsibility of looking after a child.

If you have any questions about fostering, simply fill in the contact form. Or if you’re ready to begin fostering? Get in touch with us today to start your fostering journey.