The Assessment Process

In order to become an Approved Foster Carer with any independent agency or local authority you must undertake an assessment, commonly known as a Form F Assessment.

The assessment process is a detailed, time-consuming and at times intrusive process for any prospective carer. As an approved foster carer you will be working with vulnerable children and young people, and as such it is essential that the process is done in such a way as to ensure that only the people with the right skills, experience and understanding are approved.

The process will be explained to you in more detail as part of the Pre-Assessment Visit

The completion of a Form F Assessment generally takes about 4 months, although we would always endeavour to work at your pace when completing it as it is a very inclusive process, and some assessments may prove more complex than others.

The Form F Assessment is a lengthy report written by a qualified social worker from the agency, in partnership with you. It will look at, in detail, your current family situation, childhood experience and background. It is important to realise that the purpose of this assessment is to allow the assessing social worker to form a professional judgement on your abilities to meet the needs of looked after children and provide a suitable caring, safe and nurturing environment for them. This assessment is very much a two way process, and you will need to be prepared to take an active role in undertaking and completing it.

As part of the Assessment, there are certain checks we are obliged to make on all applicants, under The Fostering Regulations 2002.

These include:

Obtaining an Enhanced CRB (Criminal Records Bureau check) for all prospective carers, partners and any other significant adults. A Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check is carried out to prevent children being placed with unsuitable carers. Most minor offences won't present a problem, but if you've been convicted of an offence against children your application will be rejected.

A medical reference from your GP. This will be shared with our Medical Advisor on Panel (also a qualified GP). The medical check-up is to make sure you're in good health and can care for a child now and as they grow up.

Statutory checks with your local authority social services and education departments, both for your current and previous addresses.

Ex-partner checks. These checks are carried out by seeking a reference from ex-partners, who may be able to comment on your ability to foster children. It is important to note that we understand that some people may not feel comfortable with this, and if there are particular and specific reasons why you do not feel it would be appropriate for us to contact your ex-partner, these should be discussed with the Social Worker carrying out the Assessment as early as possible.