Quick answer: the fostering assessment usually takes around 4 to 6 months. From your first phone call to being approved, most people should expect about 6 to 9 months, depending on the service, training dates and how quickly checks and references come back.
The stages, step by step
- 1. First enquiry (week 1): a call with the fostering team to talk through your situation.
- 2. Initial visit (weeks 1 to 3): a social worker visits your home, meets everyone in the household and answers your questions.
- 3. Application and checks: you apply, and the service starts DBS checks for every adult in the household, a medical through your GP, a local authority check and references.
- 4. Skills to Foster training: a short preparation course, usually over two or three days. Timing depends on when courses run.
- 5. The assessment (around 4 to 6 months): a series of home visits with your assessing social worker to write your report (often called a Form F).
- 6. Fostering panel: an independent panel reads your report, meets you and makes a recommendation.
- 7. Approval and matching: the service’s decision-maker approves you. Many carers are matched with a child within weeks, sometimes days.
What slows things down
- GP medical reports taking a long time
- references from people who are slow to reply
- waiting for the next Skills to Foster course or panel date
- moving home or a big change in circumstances during the assessment
- missing paperwork, such as employment or address history
How to keep your application moving
- line up your referees early and tell them to expect contact
- book your GP medical as soon as you are asked
- have your address and work history for the past few years to hand
- ask the service for the dates of its next training course and panel
- be open about your history: it rarely stops an application, but surprises cause delays
Does the type of service make a difference?
Timescales are broadly similar for councils and independent agencies. Some services move faster because they run more frequent training and panels, so it is worth asking about this when you compare them.
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FAQs
How long does the fostering assessment take?
Usually around 4 to 6 months, made up of regular home visits with an assessing social worker.
How long from enquiry to approval?
Around 6 to 9 months is typical, depending on checks, training dates and panel dates.
How soon will I have a child placed after approval?
It varies, but many carers are matched within a few weeks of approval, and some much sooner.
What is a Form F?
The Form F is the report written during your fostering assessment. It covers your background, home, family, support network and skills, and is presented to the fostering panel.
