Assessments will be carried out by social workers. Our social work assessments will follow the competency based assessment method. This means that applicants are asked to demonstrate their competence to become approved foster careers. Throughout the assessment information is gathered using the British Agencies for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) assessment form – Form F. The assessment, which consists of a series of interviews, takes place in the applicant’s home, usually over a period of 6-8 sessions.

The assessment focuses on the individuals applying to become foster careers and their family. We will make a detailed assessment of their past experiences and help them to think about their reasons for applying to become foster careers.

Fostering Innovations will take up four references, plus employee/ landlord references/school/health visitor/children and ex-partners. At least two referees are visited in person.

Applicants do not have to be professionals. However, they need to have a willingness to care for children/young people between the ages of 0-21 years who cannot live with their family and are in need of alternative care. They must be able to demonstrate that they want and can make a difference to young people. They must be able to provide a room in their home to accommodate children or young people.

Throughout the assessment process applicants are advised and helped to gather information and evidence providing examples of their relevant experiences and skills. This contributes to the assessment process and informs the Form F which is presented to the Fostering Panel.