Assessment Process
Abacus Fostering currently uses the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) format for fostering assessments and, in line with new government guidance, the assessment process is undertaken in two stages.
In Stage 1 all relevant checks and references are undertaken, including an enhanced DBS check (the old CRB check), health assessment, Local Authority check, employment references and personal references. (This list is not exhaustive).
Once this stage is completed and the applicant is suitable to foster, Stage 2 is then progressed. This stage is about gathering more in-depth information about the applicant in terms of their history, identity, personality, lifestyle, skills, and experience in caring for children.
On average, an assessment can take anywhere between 3 and 6 months, sometimes longer, to complete. As part of the assessment, we will come out to meet you weekly. Stage 1 and Stage 2 are often completed in parallel with each other. You will also need to attend the Preparation to Foster Programme before the assessment is completed.
Abacus Fostering has an independent panel. Their role and responsibility is to make recommendations as to whether or not the potential foster carer is suitable to foster and should be approved. Approved foster carers are also annually reviewed by the panel. Foster carers are invited to attend the panel with their Social Worker. The applicant is given support and guidance in preparing for the panel.
Once the panel have made their recommendation, all of the information is passed to the Agency Decision Maker who then makes the final decision as to whether or not the applicant is approved as a foster carer.
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