Form F Assessment: Timeline, Checks & Preparation

If you’re thinking about fostering in the UK, the Form F assessment is the core process that determines whether you’ll be approved to care for children. It’s detailed, reflective, and designed to be supportive as well as rigorous. This guide walks you through what Form F is, how long it typically takes, the checks involved, what panels look for, and how to prepare confidently—plus practical answers to questions applicants ask most.

What is Form F?

Form F (Prospective Foster Carer Report) is the structured assessment used across the UK to evidence your suitability to foster. Your assessing social worker gathers information with you and compiles it into a single report that explores your motivation, experience, skills, values, home environment, support network, and capacity to meet children’s needs. Recent versions place an even stronger emphasis on the child’s experience and voice within the assessment.

The legal and guidance backdrop

In England, fostering assessments and approvals sit within the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011, related amendments, and statutory guidance from the Department for Education (DfE). While agencies may adapt formats, the two-stage assessment model and approval decision-making are set out nationally. Equivalent frameworks exist in the devolved nations.

The two stages: how the process is structured

Stage 1: Initial checks & screening

Stage 1 confirms basic eligibility and safety. Typical components include Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, medical/health information, identity, address, and right-to-work/residency confirmation, personal and employment references (sometimes ex-partner references), and initial home safety/pet risk checks. Some agencies complete pre-approval training (often Skills to Foster) during Stage 1.

Timescale note: Many providers aim to complete Stage 1 promptly once all documents are in; internal policies often commit to a decision about progressing to Stage 2 within 10 working days after Stage 1 information is complete.

Stage 2: In-depth assessment & preparation

Stage 2 is the heart of Form F. Through a series of home visits and interviews, your assessing social worker explores your life history, relationships, parenting approaches, safer caring, understanding of trauma/attachment, boundaries, culture and identity, support network, and practical routines. Evidence from your training and any experience with children is included. The completed Form F then goes to an independent fostering panel for a recommendation, followed by the Agency Decision Maker (ADM) who makes the final decision.

How long does Form F take?

A common headline timeline is around 4–6 months, but it can be faster or slower depending on how quickly checks come back, your availability for visits/training, and any complexities (moves, health follow-up, ex-partner references, etc.). Many reputable agencies present this 4–6 month range as the typical window for completion.

Tip: Ask your agency for a written timeline with milestones (end of Stage 1 target, training dates, draft report target, panel date). Knowing the sequence reduces stress and helps you plan.

What the assessment is really looking for

Capacity to meet children’s needs

Assessors are evaluating how you’ll keep children safe, promote their health and education, support contact with family when required, and contribute to care planning. They’ll also explore your ability to be curious and reflective, to record daily information appropriately, and to work in a professional team around the child.

Trauma-informed caregiving

Expect discussion around attachment, loss, trauma, and regulation strategies (e.g., PACE-informed approaches). Training and supervision will strengthen these skills across your fostering journey, but Form F explores your mindset and readiness now.

Safer caring & boundaries

Panels want to see a written safer caring approach that’s realistic for your home: bedroom/bathroom supervision rules, social media/phone use, visitors, babysitters and overnights, and how you’ll address risks (including pet and environmental risks).

Support network & resilience

No one fosters alone. You’ll map friends/family who can help with school runs, emergencies, or a listening ear. Assessors consider how you cope with stress, manage conflict, and ask for help early.

The checks: what to expect (and why)

• DBS and safeguarding checks for all adults in your household; in some cases, regular visitors may be considered.
• References: personal and employment references, plus ex-partner references where appropriate; the aim is to triangulate a rounded picture.
• Medical: a GP report to understand any health issues that may affect fostering; the question is about fitness to foster, not perfection.
• Home & environment: space, safety, bedroom arrangements (a spare room is usually required, with limited exceptions), pets, vehicles, and general hazards.
• Training: Skills to Foster or equivalent pre-approval training to set expectations and build core knowledge.

The panel and the decision

Your completed Form F is presented to an independent fostering panel that reads the report, meets you, and makes a recommendation to the Agency Decision Maker (ADM). The ADM then makes the final decision, taking the panel’s advice into account. If you disagree with a decision, you can use the agency’s complaints process or consider the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) (England) where applicable.

Reviews after approval

Once approved, you’ll have an annual review at least every 12 months (and sooner if there are significant changes or concerns). This keeps your approval up to date, reflects your training, experience, and any changes in household circumstances.

Timescales & exceptions: Connected persons (family & friends)

When a child needs to live urgently with family or friends, local authorities can use temporary approval under Regulation 24 while a full fostering assessment is completed. This connected persons route can approve carers for a short, time-limited period (in England, currently up to 24 weeks) with enhanced support and frequent visits while the full assessment proceeds.

How to prepare: step-by-step

1) Build your “evidence pack” early

Collect documents you’ll need: ID, address history, right-to-work/residency, training certificates, driving licence/insurance/MOT, pet vaccination records, and contact details for referees (agree with them in advance). This speeds up Stage 1.

2) Draft a practical safer caring plan

Write a one-page outline covering bedrooms, bathrooms, internet/phone/gaming, visitors, transport, physical intervention (not permitted except in very limited, trained circumstances), and recording/photography rules. Your social worker will refine it with you, but a draft shows insight.

3) Map your support network

Create a simple diagram of who can help (and how): school runs, respite, babysitting, emotional support. Include backup plans for sickness or shift changes.

4) Prepare the home—realistically

You don’t need a show home. Do a home safety walk-through: check smoke alarms, window restrictors where needed, medicine storage, garden/pond safety, stair gates (if you’re open to under-5s), pet arrangements, and a tidy bedroom suitable for a child/teen.

5) Reflect on your life story

Form F includes a chronology and exploration of significant life events. Think about loss, separation, moves, health, and what you learned—and how this will shape your fostering. Reflective insight is valued as highly as practical skills.

6) Engage fully with training

Approach Skills to Foster with curiosity. Keep notes on trauma, attachment, routines, contact, culture/identity and questions you want to explore further. Using training examples in panel answers shows readiness.

7) Get comfortable with recording

Practice factual, balanced daily logs—what happened, who was present, what you did, and how the child responded. Avoid opinionated language. This is essential for multi-agency working and, at times, court reports.

Common hurdles—and how to avoid them

• Delays in checks: DBS or GP reports can take time. Start these immediately and respond fast to any follow-up queries.
• Unavailable referees: Confirm referees’ availability and explain what’s involved so they reply promptly.
• Over-perfecting the house: Assessors aren’t judging décor; they’re assessing safety and suitability. Focus on what a child needs to feel safe and welcome.
• Avoiding tricky topics: Be honest about past challenges (financial bumps, relationship changes, mental health). Assessors look for insight and strategies, not a flawless past.
• Underestimating the role: Fostering involves meetings, education/health coordination, contact, transport, recording. Show you’ve considered weekly rhythms and work patterns realistically.

What happens at panel?

Panels are usually friendly but thorough. Expect questions like:

• Why fostering—and why now?
• What ages/needs are you open to—and why?
• How will you manage contact, boundaries, and online safety?
• Tell us about a time you handled conflict or stress.
• What’s your support network like on a weekday at 5pm?

Answer from real experience. It’s fine to say, “I’ll seek advice from my supervising social worker and training notes” where appropriate. After panel, the ADM reviews everything and makes the decision. If you disagree, ask about the IRM route.

After approval: the first year

Your first year brings supervision visits, ongoing training, and your first annual review. Reviews check that your approval category/age range still fits, celebrate progress, and note any updates needed to your safer caring or training plan.

Quick FAQs

How much time will the assessment take weekly?
Typically 1–2 visits a fortnight in Stage 2 (some weeks more), plus training sessions and time to gather evidence. Ask your assessor for a visit plan early on.

Do I need a spare room?
Generally yes—foster children usually need their own bedroom (exceptions are narrow and risk-assessed). Your assessor will explain the reasoning and any local policy nuances.

What if I rent?
You can still foster if you rent—agencies typically need landlord consent and will look at tenancy security and space.

Can I work and foster?
Many carers work. What matters is your ability to attend meetings, contact, school runs and respond to needs. Be realistic about shifts and backup plans.

What if there’s an urgent family placement?
For connected persons (family/friends) placements, authorities can use temporary approval (England Reg 24) while a full assessment is completed—usually with enhanced visiting and a clear timeline.

Final thoughts

The Form F assessment isn’t about catching you out; it’s about making sure you’re safe, prepared, supported, and matched well to the children who may live with you. If you approach it with honesty, curiosity, and openness to learning, your assessment will reflect that. Ask your assessing social worker for a clear timetable, keep a simple folder for your evidence, draft a safer caring plan, and use training to build your confidence. When your report reaches panel, you’ll be able to speak from experience about what fostering involves—and how you’re ready to make a difference.