From your first conversation to becoming an approved foster carer, we'll be here to guide and support you at every step.Our assessment process allows us to get to know you, understand your experiences and make sure we can provide the right support for you and any children you may care for.
Our assessment process is thorough but supportive. Here's an overview of the main stages:
1
Have an informal chat with our friendly team about fostering, your circumstances and any questions you may have.
2
We'll arrange a home visit to get to know you and your family, discuss your interest in fostering and what it involves.
3
If you'd like to proceed and begin your assessment, we'll ask you to complete and return our application form.
4
You will complete your assessment with a dedicated social worker. You can see more details on the page below.
5
You'll complete Skills to Foster, helping you to understand your responsibilities as a foster carer and the needs of children.
6
Your completed assessment will be presented to our panel, who makes a recommendation about your suitability.
7
Our Agency Decision Maker (ADM) will make the final decision and recommend approval as a foster carer.
Your fostering assessment is an opportunity for us to get to know you and for you to learn more about fostering. You'll work with an assessing social worker who will explore your experiences, relationships, family life, strengths and motivations for becoming a foster carer.
The assessment includes discussions about your childhood and upbringing, your support network, your understanding of children's needs and how fostering might fit into your everyday life.
We'll also undertake essential checks, including enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, references, medical assessments and checks on your home environment. The process is designed to make sure fostering is right for you and that you can provide a safe, stable and nurturing home for a child or young person.
This information is collated and presented to panel in a document called a Form F.
Most fostering assessments take around four months, although this can vary depending on individual circumstances, references and checks.
You'll have a dedicated assessing social worker who will guide you through the process, answer your questions and help you prepare for fostering.
Your first steps are simply about finding out more. There's no obligation to continue if you decide fostering isn't right for you.
Our short video explains the fostering assessment process and gives you a feel for what to expect as you take your first steps towards becoming a foster carer.
If you're currently approved with another fostering agency or local authority and are considering transferring to Cuffe & Lacey, we can talk you through the process. We recognise the experience and skills you've already developed as a foster carer.
We'll discuss your circumstances, explain the transfer assessment process and provide guidance on the next steps. If you currently have children placed with you, any proposed transfer will need careful planning and consultation with the relevant professionals to protect their stability and wellbeing.
Our friendly team is happy to have a confidential, no-obligation conversation about your options.
We know the assessment process can feel like a big step, but you'll have the support of an experienced and approachable team throughout. We'll be here to answer your questions, provide guidance and make sure you feel confident at each stage.
You'll have a named assessing social worker who will guide you through the process and be available to answer your questions.
We'll keep you informed about your assessment, what stage you're at and what happens next.
You'll have access to preparation training, information and resources to help you develop your knowledge and confidence.
As a family-run fostering agency, we pride ourselves on being approachable, supportive and getting to know our foster carers personally.
Here are some of the questions we're often asked about the fostering assessment process.
Most assessments take around four months, although the exact timescale varies depending on your circumstances and how quickly checks and references can be completed. We'll keep you updated throughout.
The assessment includes enhanced DBS checks, personal and employment references, medical assessments, local authority checks and an assessment of your home environment. We'll explain each requirement and support you through the process.
Skills to Foster is preparation training designed to help prospective foster carers understand the role, responsibilities and challenges of fostering. It covers topics such as safeguarding, children's experiences, relationships and working with professionals. You'll also have opportunities to ask questions and talk with others.
Once your assessment is complete, your Form F report will be considered by an independent fostering panel. You'll usually be invited to attend alongside your assessing social worker. Panel members may ask questions before making a recommendation about your suitability to foster. The final decision is made by the agency's Agency Decision Maker.
We understand that fostering is a big commitment. If your circumstances change or you decide not to continue, you can discuss this with your assessing social worker. We want you to feel comfortable and confident about your decision.
Yes. Approved foster carers can explore transferring from another agency or local authority. The process involves a new assessment and careful consideration of any children already in placement. We'll explain what's involved and support you through the appropriate steps.
Thinking about fostering? We’d love to hear from you.
Send us a few details and we'll get in touch for an informal chat.
