Your journey
Your Assessment
Find out what you can expect during the assessment process – from the information we’ll need from you to the support we’ll offer along the way.
If no issues are raised during your initial enquiry and home visit, we will officially invite you to apply to become a foster carer with Team Fostering.
At this point you’ll receive a link to an online application form which asks you to supply certain bits of information and documents.
Once we’ve received this you’ll begin your assessment process. We understand this can feel daunting but Team Fostering will be there to guide you through it, every step of the way.
Watch the video of Katie, one of our newest foster carers, who explains what the process was like for her.
Submission and background checks
After you’ve completed your application form, you’ll enter Stage 1 of the assessment process – a 1-2 month period for essential background checks and references. This includes personal, employment, medical, and enhanced DBS checks, along with detailed lifestyle assessments. You’ll also attend Skills to Foster – our four-day pre-approval training – where you’ll meet other foster carers, Team Fostering staff and receive guidance from our Recruitment team.
Form F Assessment
Moving into Stage 2, you’ll be assigned a Form F Assessor to compile your Form F, highlighting your skills and experience for children you could be matched to. This stage typically lasts up to 3 months, making sure it’s a thorough assessment and that we have all the information we need to be able to match you to children in the future.
Panel review and approval
After completing Stage 2, your Form F will be reviewed by our panel of experts. This panel evaluates your suitability for fostering based on the assessment. They will make a recommendation to our Agency Decision Maker who then makes the final decision on whether to approve you as a foster carer. We’ll let you know the outcome and you’ll begin your journey as a foster carer with us.
