Fostering Assessment
First step
If you decide to complete our enquiry form, you will receive information packs from the Fostering Agencies in your area. This will give you the opportunity to read about what they have to offer and for you to decide who visits you. You will also receive the free Simply Fostering Handbook.
Second step
The social worker(s) will discuss what it takes to provide foster care for children and young people, what you feel you can offer and if fostering is for you and your family. The decision about proceeding to the fostering assessment is usually made at this stage.
Third step
Sometimes the Fostering Agency might ask you to attend a Foster care training course or require further information before starting the assessment.
Fostering Assessment
For couples, both applicants will have to undergo the fostering assessment, checks and training, as both applicants will need to be approved as foster carers before they can look after children.
In our experience, Local Authorities take approximately six months and Independent Fostering Agencies take an average of four months to complete the assessment and to take the applicants to the Fostering Panel for approval.
Print this page 
Top of page 