In our latest Progress Fostering Live session, we explored a stage of the fostering journey that many people find both important and mysterious. The Form F assessment is a long, thoughtful process that prepares applicants for the realities of caring for a child who may have experienced trauma. To help make sense of it, we were joined by Supervising Social Worker and experienced assessor Sharon Lee, who has spent almost twenty years guiding people through this stage.
During the session we talked through what the assessment involves, how long it takes, the types of conversations applicants can expect, the role of references, how family members are included and what happens at panel. Sharon also spoke openly about the emotional side of the process and why many applicants describe it as reflective and meaningful.
Below is a more personal and detailed look at the discussion in a Q and A format.
What is a Form F assessment and why does it matter?
The Form F assessment is a detailed process led by a qualified social worker. It helps us understand whether someone can safely and emotionally care for a child who may have had a difficult start in life. Sharon describes it simply. Her role is to understand who the applicant is, what experiences have shaped them and how prepared they are to offer stability. The assessment is not about catching people out. It is about getting to know them well enough to understand the kind of care they can offer.
How long does the assessment take?
Most people complete the assessment within four to six months. This gives enough time to build a relationship, explore important areas of life history and gather all the necessary checks and references. Applicants who are transferring from another agency or local authority may move through more quickly because some of the information is already available.
What actually happens during the assessment?
Applicants usually meet with their assessor between eight and ten times. Some sessions can be held on Teams or WhatsApp, especially when gathering basic information. When the conversations are sensitive, such as exploring childhood memories or past relationships, the meeting is always face to face. These deeper conversations help the assessor understand how someone manages difficult emotions and how they might respond to a child who has had similar experiences. Alongside these conversations, the assessment includes DBS checks, medicals, work and school references, personal references and information about the household’s support network.
Why does the assessment explore someone’s childhood and personal history?
Understanding an applicant’s past helps assess how they will support a child who arrives with trauma or uncertainty. Not everyone has had a positive childhood and that is absolutely fine. What matters is whether the applicant has processed their experiences. Sharon often finds that these discussions can be surprisingly therapeutic. Many people leave these sessions with a stronger understanding of themselves and how far they have come.
How important is honesty?
Honesty is essential. Sharon encourages applicants to be open from the very first conversation, even if the topic feels uncomfortable. Past mistakes, mental health struggles or challenging moments in life do not automatically prevent someone from fostering. In many cases, seeking support or working through personal challenges shows resilience and self awareness. What concerns assessors more is when people hide things or avoid talking about them.
Why are ex partner references requested?
This is a part of the assessment that often causes worry, but Sharon explains that the purpose is very simple. Assessors are not interested in the details of a past relationship. They only want to understand what the applicant was like as a parent. If speaking to an ex partner is not safe or possible, there are other ways to verify a person’s history, such as speaking to adult children, close relatives or trusted friends.
How involved are the applicant’s family members?
Everyone who lives in the home is part of the journey in some way. Younger children are spoken to separately in gentle, age appropriate ways. Sometimes assessors use picture books about fostering to help them understand the idea of another child joining the family. Adult children and supportive relatives may also be included, especially if they play a role in the household’s support network. Backup carers are assessed too and will need DBS checks.
What happens if one partner is unsure about fostering?
It is common for one partner to feel more confident than the other. During the assessment, Sharon explores this carefully. The aim is not to pressure anyone. It is simply to understand what is behind the uncertainty and to make sure both partners feel informed. Many couples find clarity after attending the Skills to Foster preparation sessions, which offer a realistic picture of what fostering involves. Both partners do eventually need to be fully on board.
Can someone work full time while going through the assessment?
Yes. Assessors work flexibly and fit sessions around people’s existing routines. Sharon schedules meetings during mornings, afternoons, evenings and occasionally weekends. Flexibility during the assessment is important because fostering itself often involves appointments, meetings and unexpected changes.
What happens once the Form F assessment is complete?
When the assessment is finished, applicants are given time to read the full report and discuss any points they would like changed or clarified. The assessment is then reviewed by the assessing manager and shared with the fostering panel. Panel meetings at Progress take place on Teams and are designed to be welcoming and reassuring. The panel reads the report, asks a few questions and then makes a recommendation. The final decision is made by the Agency Decision Maker, who usually responds within two weeks.
What support is available during the process?
Support is woven throughout the journey. Applicants can be linked with mentors, connect with experienced foster carers and speak with households offering the type of fostering they are interested in. The aim is to make sure no one ever feels alone or unsure about what comes next.
If you are thinking about fostering and would like to understand the next steps, our team is ready to help. You can contact us through our website, send us a message on Facebook or give us a call. Our next Progress Fostering Live session will explore the matching process and what it is like to welcome your first child into your home.
