Becoming a foster carer is a life-changing decision. It’s about opening your heart and home to a child who needs stability, care, and understanding. But before you can start fostering, there’s a detailed process designed to make sure every child is placed in a safe and supportive environment. Let’s go through each stage of the fostering application process in the UK, so you know exactly what to expect.
Understanding the Purpose of the Process
The application process is not meant to be difficult or intimidating. It’s there to ensure that fostering agencies and local authorities can match children with carers who are ready, capable, and emotionally prepared. The goal is to protect the child and help new carers start their journey with confidence.
Stage 1: The Initial Enquiry
Every fostering journey begins with a simple step — making an enquiry. This could be through your local authority fostering service or an independent fostering agency (IFA). You can usually enquire online, by phone, or by filling out a form on their website.
After your enquiry, someone from the fostering team will contact you to have an informal chat. They’ll answer your questions, explain the fostering process, and learn a bit about your background, family setup, and reasons for wanting to foster.
This stage is informal and pressure-free. It’s a chance for both sides to see if fostering could be the right path for you.
Stage 2: Home Visit or Initial Home Check
If you wish to move forward after the initial enquiry, the fostering agency will arrange a home visit. A supervising social worker or recruitment officer will come to your home to discuss fostering in more detail.
They’ll look at basic things like:
- The space available (especially a separate bedroom for a foster child)
- Home safety and cleanliness
- Your support network and family members
- Your general lifestyle and routines
It’s also a good opportunity for you to ask questions about the process, payments, training, and the kind of children who might be placed with you.
This visit helps the agency decide whether to invite you to the next stage — completing the formal application.
Stage 3: The Fostering Application Form
Once the initial visit goes well, you’ll be asked to complete an application form. This is a detailed document covering your personal background, work history, relationships, health, finances, and experience with children.
You’ll also need to provide references, including personal and employment references. If you’re living with a partner, both of you will go through the process together.
This step is about giving the agency a complete picture of who you are, your motivation, and what kind of fostering you might be suited for — such as short-term, long-term, respite, or emergency fostering.
Stage 4: Background Checks and References
Safeguarding is a top priority in fostering. Before proceeding further, agencies carry out several checks to ensure children’s safety and welfare. These include:
- DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service): This checks for any criminal records or past offences.
- Medical check: Your GP completes a health form to confirm you’re physically and mentally fit to foster.
- References: The agency will contact personal and professional referees who know you well.
- Local authority checks: They’ll check if you’ve ever had involvement with social services.
- Employment verification: Some agencies may contact your employer to confirm your stability and working pattern.
These checks can take several weeks, but they are essential to maintaining trust and safety across the fostering system.
Stage 5: Fostering Preparation Training
Before becoming a foster carer, you’ll take part in pre-approval training, often called “Skills to Foster.”
This is usually a 2- or 3-day course, either in person or online. You’ll learn about:
- The roles and responsibilities of a foster carer
- The emotional needs of children in care
- Managing behaviour and trauma
- Building healthy attachments
- Working with social workers and birth families
This training helps you understand what fostering really involves, so you can prepare emotionally and practically.
Stage 6: Home Study Assessment (Form F)
After training, you’ll enter the assessment phase, also known as the Form F assessment. This is one of the most detailed stages in the process.
A qualified social worker will visit your home several times over a few months to get to know you better. They’ll explore:
- Your background and childhood experiences
- Family dynamics and relationships
- Parenting style and discipline approach
- Motivation for fostering
- Financial stability and lifestyle
- Understanding of children’s needs
The social worker will also talk to your household members, including your children (if you have any), to ensure everyone is on board with fostering.
At the end of this process, the social worker will compile all their findings into a Form F report, which will be shared with you for review before it goes to the next step.
Stage 7: Fostering Panel Review
Once the assessment is complete, your Form F report is presented to a Fostering Panel — a group of experienced professionals, social workers, and independent members.
You’ll be invited to attend this meeting, where they might ask a few questions about your motivation, expectations, or training experience. Don’t worry — they’re not trying to catch you out. The panel’s job is to ensure that fostering is the right fit for you and that you have the right support system in place.
After the meeting, the panel will make a recommendation to approve or defer your application. The final decision rests with the Agency Decision Maker (ADM), who usually confirms approval within a few days.
Stage 8: Becoming an Approved Foster Carer
Once you receive your approval letter, congratulations — you’re now an approved foster carer!
Your agency or local authority will assign a supervising social worker to support you. They’ll discuss potential placements and match you with a child whose needs fit your family and experience.
Your journey as a foster carer officially begins at this stage. You’ll continue to receive regular support, training, and guidance as you care for your foster children.
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
The entire fostering application process usually takes between four to six months, depending on the agency and how quickly checks and training are completed.
Some applicants move faster, while others take more time — especially if they need to complete extra assessments or gather references. The key is to stay patient and focused. Each step is designed to ensure the best possible match for both the carer and the child.
Tips to Make the Process Smoother
- Stay organised: Keep all forms, references, and documents ready.
- Be open and honest: Social workers appreciate honesty. Share any past challenges or experiences.
- Ask questions: It’s okay not to know everything. Ask your agency whenever something isn’t clear.
- Be patient: Every stage has a purpose. It’s worth taking time to get it right.
- Attend all training sessions: They’ll prepare you emotionally and practically for fostering.
Final Thoughts
The fostering application process might seem long, but every stage helps prepare you for one of the most rewarding experiences — changing a child’s life for the better. With the right support, training, and mindset, you’ll soon be ready to welcome a child into your home and help them build a brighter future.
Fostering isn’t just about providing a roof over someone’s head — it’s about giving love, guidance, and a sense of belonging to those who need it most.