If you are considering being a foster carer or have already started the process, you may be preparing for a fostering assessment. This usually takes around three to six months and is the most detailed part of the process.
What is involved?
During the fostering assessment, there will be a number of home visits with an assessing social worker. Usually, this is around six to eight visits. They will also perform checks on your background, health and safety, and collect professional and personal references. During this assessment period, you will complete ‘Prepare to Foster’ training to help you become completely ready for the rewards and challenges ahead.
If you have questions on any aspect of the process, you should contact the fostering agency. If you have not yet started the process and are keen to learn more, a foster care agency in your area can help. For example, if you wanted to know about foster care Swansea, you could contact organisations like //saferfostering.org.uk/foster-care-wales/swansea/.
Form F
The information gathered during the fostering assessment will be used to create a Form F. This is a comprehensive report that is created by your social worker. In the final stage of the assessment process, the Form F will be considered by an independent panel that will recommend whether you should be approved for fostering.
Honesty
The most important thing to remember for your fostering assessment is to be open and honest with the social worker. They are not expecting perfection and will be accustomed to seeing foster carers from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.