When you are thinking about fostering or starting the application process, it's common to have questions or concerns about the Form F assessment. At Foster with North East, we are here to help.
Read on to find out what a Form F is, when and how to complete it, how to prepare for it, and how our dedicated team at Foster with North East can support you through the process. We'll introduce all the essential Form F topics in this step-by-step guide. We'd also recommend chatting with local authority fostering teams at a fostering information event near you.
When do you complete Form F fostering assessment?
Form F happens after you submit an expression of interest and have had a home visit to explore your interest in fostering. You'll start the Form F element of the assessment process for fostering by formally submitting a foster care application.
Next up is fostering training, delivered by our friendly fostering hub team on behalf of our 12 local authority partners. Your foster care pre-approval training will begin to inform what goes into Form F, you can read what to expect at Skills to Foster training.
Checks and references
The form uses information gathered during background checks in the first stage of the fostering application process, including background and medical checks. It will also contain information collected when you attend training. The form will be completed further during stage two when a qualified and experienced social worker will visit you and your family to talk to you in depth.
What's involved in the Form F process?
You will work with an assessing social worker on this collaborative assessment, particularly during what is sometimes called the Form F home study assessment. This part of the application aims to document your background, skills and suitability.
Your social worker will want to get to know you through arranged home visits. It's all about building a clear picture of you and your family and how fostering could work for you.
What to expect:
The social worker will talk to you, any children, family members or others who live with you.
Together, you'll explore topics such as your upbringing, attitudes to parenting, and relationships.
If you are in a couple applying to foster, your social worker will ask you to discuss your relationship.
If you have any birth or adopted children, your social worker will involve them in an age-appropriate way.
How long does it take to complete Form F?
Form F is a required part of fostering procedures for both independent fostering agencies and local authority fostering services like us. It takes a series of visits over several to prepare the assessment report. You can typically expect this stage to take 4-6 months. If you are transferring between fostering services, it will typically take less time.
Once compiled, you'll have a chance to read and respond to the report presented to the fostering panel. The panel will decide whether to approve you as a foster parent, plus the type of fostering and ages of children and young people you'll be approved to care for.
Form F assessment example questions
Completing the form is a two-way process. When you speak to your assessing social worker, they will ask fostering assessment questions relating to your circumstances. These questions can feel personal. You'll explore your life experience and how your views and desire to foster have formed.
Some applicants tell us they find this stage of the application emotionally challenging. Others describe the process as cathartic or leading to positive personal revelations. We're here to help you prepare by knowing what to expect.
It often helps to remember the purpose behind the questions, which may feel intrusive. It's vital potential foster carers are suitably vetted before caring for vulnerable children and young people. This vetting happens whichever foster services you apply to. The topics you work through will also help us with the fostering matching process, helping us to find the right home at the right time for a fostered child or children.
What North East foster carers say about Form F
"I had a history of depression, which is common after struggling to conceive or working through infertility, and that is something that was asked about in the application process. I was devastated to think it would stop us from fostering, but that's absolutely not the case. The social workers were just ensuring I was supported and paying attention to my mental health." Sara, foster carer
"When you first apply, you have to fill out a big form. And it's talking about your past, your childhood, your experiences as a child, any issues you had, any medical issues, mental health issues, how your family were with you, and how anything you've been left with, left with. So you tell them the story of your life, basically, and then they go through it and try to identify things that may cause issues. And that's hard. That's very hard. I would imagine it's probably easier if there are two of you if it's a couple doing it. But I found it very therapeutic." Francie, teen and UASC foster carer
Support for your training and assessment journey
At the Foster with North East hub, we are here to support you through every step of the assessment process.
A hub officer can help you to complete your initial application form to begin fostering assessment.
Through our foster buddy mentoring, you can also ask to speak to an existing foster carer at any stage. Your buddy can share their assessment experiences with you and help you to feel prepared.
We can't tell you how to pass a fostering assessment but answering questions honestly and being yourself will put you on the right track.
When you're ready, you can call Foster with North East on 0800 917771 to ask questions about the application process. Or submit a query now - we'll arrange a convenient time to chat, and you do not commit by enquiring.
