Understanding the Assessment Process: What to Expect as a Prospective Foster Carer
Becoming a foster carer is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make — but we understand that the process to get there can feel a little overwhelming. At Rainbow Fostering Services, we’re committed to walking every step of the journey with you.
If you're thinking about fostering but feel anxious about what's involved, this guide is for you. Below, we've broken down the assessment process into simple steps to help you feel informed, supported, and confident.
📝 Step 1: Initial Enquiry
Your journey starts with a simple conversation.
When you contact us — whether by phone, online form, or email — we’ll arrange a friendly call to learn more about you and answer any initial questions. There’s no pressure and no commitment at this stage.
📌 What we’ll ask:
Why you’re interested in fostering
Who lives in your home
Whether you have a spare bedroom
Any relevant experience with children
Social Work Involvement, Criminal Record/Convictions
🏠 Step 2: Home Visit or Virtual Meeting
If you decide to move forward, we’ll arrange a short visit to your home (or a video call at the initial stage) to meet you in person.
This gives us a chance to get to know you better and gives you the opportunity to ask more detailed questions about fostering. It also helps us assess whether your home is a safe environment for a child. We can provide you with guidance on how to ensure it does.
🧩 Step 3: Application Form
Next, you’ll be invited to complete a fostering application. This includes personal details, employment history, health information, and your motivation for fostering.
Don’t worry — we’re here to support you through it. We know it can feel like a lot of paperwork, but every part is designed to make sure fostering is the right fit for you.
📚 Step 4: Skills to Foster Training
All applicants attend our pre-approval Skills to Foster training course — a friendly, interactive course designed to prepare you for the realities of fostering.
🧠 What you'll learn:
Understanding trauma and attachment
Managing behaviour
Building resilience in children
Working with birth families and professionals
This is a great opportunity to ask questions, hear real stories, and meet others on the same journey. You will also have the chance to meet other members from Rainbow, ranging from the Admin team, Placements Team, Social Work Team, Youth Participation Team and even the Director!
👥 Step 5: Independent Fostering Assessment (also known as Form F)
This is the most in-depth part of the process and usually takes around 3–4 months. A qualified social worker will visit you regularly to build a full picture of your background, values, lifestyle, and suitability to foster.
They will also:
Collect references from people who know you well
Complete background checks (including DBS and medical checks)
Talk to household members
Your social worker will support you the whole way, and many of our applicants say this stage is unexpectedly reflective and empowering.
🧾 Step 6: Panel Presentation
Once your assessment is complete, your social worker will write a report (called a Form F) and present it to our independent fostering panel. You’ll be invited to attend the panel with your social worker for support.
This may sound intimidating, but it’s not! The panel is made up of experienced professionals and carers who want you to succeed. Their job is to ensure fostering is safe and appropriate for everyone involved.
You will receive support and information before your scheduled panel meeting.
✅ Step 7: Approval and Matching
If the panel recommends your approval, our Agency Decision Maker will confirm it. Congratulations — you’re now an approved foster carer!
From here, we’ll begin the matching process to find the right child or young person for your home, with your full involvement and support every step of the way.
💬 You’re Never Alone on This Journey
At Rainbow Fostering Services, we’re not just here to assess — we’re here to walk beside you. Our friendly team offers guidance, training, and 24/7 support throughout your fostering journey.
If you're ready to take the next step or just want to learn more, we’d love to hear from you.
📞 Contact us today and let's explore whether fostering could be your next chapter.
