How long does it take to become a foster parent

Thinking about fostering? We’d love for you to give us a call on 0800 000000 or submit your details using our online form, and one of our friendly fostering advisors will reach out to you. 

There’s no pressure to commit to anything—just a quick, informal chat to answer any of your questions. 

If you decide to move forward, the next step in your journey is a visit from one of our friendly team members. 

They’ll visit you in the comfort of your own home, either face-to-face or via video call. This gives us a chance to get to know you better and allows you to ask any questions you may have about joining Bespoke Fostering. 

If fostering is right for you, we’ll ask you to fill out an application form. If you need any help with this, our friendly team will be available over the phone or by virtual meeting. Your application will then be reviewed by our registered manager.

If the registered manager decides to move forward with your application, you’ll then begin your fostering assessment. This is the longest part of the process, which involves around 6-8 home visits from a social worker. During these visits, your assessing social worker will put together a document known as a ‘Form F’ assessment.

We'll also complete some background checks and references. These include an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, personal and professional references, and health and safety checks on your home. You’ll also complete some introductory training which will give you the skills you need to hit the ground running. 

Once your assessment is complete, your social worker will be by your side to attend panel with you. 

Panel is a special meeting where your Form F assessment will be reviewed by an independent panel. The panel may also ask you a few questions about your fostering journey.  There’s no need to be nervous about your panel day—this is an exciting time, and a chance to celebrate how far you’ve come! Your social worker will be there to support you before, during and after the panel meeting, and will be there to help you answer any questions on the day. 

After your panel meeting, the panel members will then make a recommendation to our Agency Decision Maker (ADM), an experienced member of our team who approves all our new foster parents.

If you’re approved, congratulations! Our dedicated referrals team will begin a careful matching process to find the right child for you and your family. Once they think they’ve found a match, they’ll share this information with you to consider and ask any questions.

Finding the right match can happen very soon after you’ve been approved, or it may take a little longer. Either way, your foster journey has begun, and soon you’ll be welcoming your first child. We’ll be there to support you every step of the way on your exciting, challenging and rewarding journey of foster family life!