How long does it take to become a approved foster carer?

The entire process usually takes between 3 and 6 months from your initial enquiry to the final approval panel.

What are the main steps in the fostering application?

The steps are: 1. Initial enquiry, 2. Home visit, 3. Skills to Foster training, 4. Form F assessment, 5. Fostering Panel, 6. Final decision.

Process

Becoming a foster carer is a structured process designed to prepare you for the role and ensure the safety of children.

Contact a local authority or independent fostering agency. They will answer your initial questions and check your basic eligibility.

A social worker will visit your home to meet your family, check your spare bedroom, and discuss the fostering role in more detail.

You will attend the "Skills to Foster" preparation course to learn about child development, safety, and managing challenging behavior.

🎓 Free Learning

Access the free online 9-week preparation program matching the Skills to Foster curriculum on FosterReady.uk.

An assessing social worker will conduct a detailed review of your personal history, relationships, and parenting skills.

Your assessment report is presented to an independent fostering Panel, who will make a recommendation regarding your approval.

Take our quick eligibility quiz — it takes less than 2 minutes.

FosterReady.uk is free, not an agency, and no one contacts you unless you choose.