During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, fostering services in the UK experienced changes—some of which aimed to make the process more flexible, responsive, and accessible. These “relaxations” or adaptations were introduced to support faster placements while maintaining child safety.
Key Aspects of Relaxation
-
Temporary Adjustments (COVID Period):
Local authorities were allowed to fast-track assessments to meet urgent placement needs.
Some virtual visits and training replaced in-person meetings.
Extensions were given to fostering panel dates and reviews.
-
Ongoing Modernisation:
Even after the pandemic, many agencies kept greater flexibility—for example:
Hybrid assessments: Part virtual, part in-person.
Digital training sessions.
Simplified forms and step-by-step support to encourage more people to apply.
The government continues to seek ways to reduce bureaucracy while keeping robust safeguarding.
-
Focus on Widening the Pool of Carers:
Targeted recruitment of carers from diverse backgrounds, single applicants, and those in varied living arrangements (e.g., renters).
Financial and emotional support packages have improved in many areas.
-
Post-Review Initiatives:
The Children’s Social Care Review (2022) pushed for system-wide reforms to make fostering more inclusive and better supported.
There’s a shift toward community-based fostering and long-term stability for children.
How to Become a Foster Carer in the UK
Becoming a foster carer involves several steps designed to ensure you’re suitable, prepared, and well-supported.
-
Initial Enquiry
Contact your local authority fostering team or a registered independent fostering agency (IFA).
You’ll have an initial discussion about your situation, motivation, and eligibility.
-
Home Visit / Initial Assessment
A fostering social worker visits your home to assess your living environment and answer your questions.
-
Formal Application
You’ll complete an application form.
Criminal record (DBS) and background checks are carried out.
Medical assessments and personal references are required.
-
Training: Skills to Foster
You attend a short training course covering:
Child development
Safeguarding
Managing behaviour
Supporting education and identity
-
Assessment (Form F)
A detailed assessment by a social worker over several weeks.
Includes interviews and home visits to explore your lifestyle, experiences, and readiness.
-
Fostering Panel
The assessment report is reviewed by an independent panel that recommends approval.
The agency or local authority makes the final decision.
-
Approval and Matching
Once approved, you can be matched with a child who fits your family’s experience and availability.
Support and Allowances
Foster carers receive weekly fostering allowances to cover the child’s needs (food, clothing, transport, etc.).
Many also get additional payments depending on the agency and the complexity of the child’s needs.
Ongoing training and supervision are provided throughout.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
Must be at least 21 years old.
Must have a spare bedroom.
Can be single, married, partnered, divorced, or LGBTQ+.
You don’t need to own your home—renters can foster.
Health, stability, and ability to meet a child’s needs are the key factors.
Fostering Approval Timeline (Approx. 4–8 Months Total)
Each agency or local authority may vary slightly, but the steps below represent a common structure:
-
Initial Enquiry (1–2 Weeks)
What happens:
You contact a local authority fostering team or an independent fostering agency (IFA).
You’ll have an informal chat to explore requirements, answer your questions, and see if fostering suits your circumstances.
Tip:
Be open about your home setup, lifestyle, and motivations. This helps the team give the best advice.
-
Home Visit / Initial Assessment (2–3 Weeks)
What happens:
A social worker visits your home to discuss your background, experience, and suitability.
They’ll check your home’s safety and ensure you have a spare bedroom.
Outcome:
If you decide to proceed, you’ll move on to the application stage.
-
Formal Application and Background Checks (4–6 Weeks)
Tasks completed:
Submit application forms.
Undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
Receive health and reference checks.
Provide paperwork (proof of income, identification, housing information).
Tip:
Some delays can occur if references or DBS results take longer—completing these early can shorten overall time.
-
Training: Skills to Foster Course (1–2 Weeks)
What happens:
You attend a short course (in person or online) run by your fostering service.
It introduces child development, trauma, safeguarding, and daily fostering life.
Duration:
Usually covers 3–5 sessions across one to two weeks.
-
Assessment (Form F) (3–4 Months)
What happens:
A social worker completes a detailed assessment (known as a Form F).
Multiple home visits/interviews
Collection of personal history, relationships, lifestyle
Review of support network and parenting approach
Outcome:
The completed report will form the basis of your submission to the fostering panel.
-
Fostering Panel and Decision (2–4 Weeks)
What happens:
You attend a fostering panel (a group of professionals and independent members).
They review your assessment and ask questions.
The panel recommends approval.
The agency decision maker (ADM) gives the final approval.
Timeline:
Typically 2–4 weeks from panel date to official decision.
-
Matching and Placement (Varies)
After approval:
Your fostering team begins the matching process to find a child who fits your experience, preferences, and family situation.
For some, a match is found very soon; others may wait weeks to months depending on need and availability.
Summary Timeline Overview
Stage Duration Key Focus
Enquiry and Home Visit 3–5 weeks Initial suitability check
Application and Checks 4–6 weeks Background screening
Training 1–2 weeks Basic fostering skills
Formal Assessment (Form F) 3–4 months In-depth evaluation
Panel and Decision 2–4 weeks Approval process
Total (Typical Range) 4–8 months From first contact to approval
Helpful Suggestions
Stay proactive with paperwork to avoid delays.
Keep communication open with your assessing social worker.
Attend extra information sessions offered by your agency—they help you prepare and build confidence.
