How Long Does the Fostering Process Take? Deciding to become a foster carer is a life-changing decision. Once you’ve made that leap, it’s natural to want to get started as soon as possible. At Oak Fostering, we aim for a balance: moving efficiently while ensuring the process is thorough enough to prepare you for the journey ahead.

On average, the fostering assessment process takes between 4 to 6 months.

Here is a breakdown of the timeline and what happens at each stage of the journey:

Phase 1: The Initial Enquiry (Days 1–7)

Your journey begins with a simple phone call or online enquiry.

  • The Initial Chat: We’ll have an informal discussion about your circumstances, your home, and why you want to foster.
  • The Home Visit: If you’re ready to move forward, one of our supervising social workers will visit you at home. This is a chance for us to meet you in person and for you to ask all those “nitty-gritty” questions.

Phase 2: Application and “Skills to Foster” Training (Weeks 2–8)

Once your formal application is accepted, the “Preparation Phase” begins.

  • Training: You will attend the Skills to Foster course. This is usually held over a few days and introduces you to the realities of fostering, from attachment theory to safeguarding.
  • DBS and References: We begin the background checks, including your Enhanced DBS, medical check, and personal/professional references.

Phase 3: The Assessment (Months 2–5)

This is the most significant part of the process, often called the Form F Assessment.

  • Social Work Visits: A dedicated social worker will visit you several times (usually 6 to 8 visits). They will talk to you about your childhood, your past relationships, your finances, and your parenting style.
  • The Goal: The aim isn’t to find “perfect” people, but to understand your life experiences and how they have shaped your ability to care for a child.

Phase 4: The Fostering Panel (Month 6)

Once your assessment report is finished, it is presented to the Fostering Panel.

  • The Meeting: You will attend the panel meeting (usually held at our office or virtually) alongside your social worker. The panel is made up of independent experts, such as education professionals, medical experts, and former foster carers.
  • The Recommendation: The panel will make a recommendation on your suitability to foster. The final decision is then made by our Agency Decision Maker (ADM).

What Can Speed Up or Slow Down the Process?

While we strive for a 6-month window, certain factors can influence the timing:

  • Reference Response Times: The quicker your employer, GP, and personal references return their forms, the faster we can move.
  • Complexity: If you have lived abroad recently or have a complex medical history, the extra checks can add a few weeks.
  • Your Availability: We work around your schedule, but being available for the social worker visits is the best way to keep things on track.