Understanding the Process with Wholistic Fostering
The fostering assessment — known as the Form F — is a key part of your journey to becoming a foster carer. It’s more than a form; it’s a thoughtful and thorough process that helps us understand your strengths, values, and family life.
Many of our foster carers tell us they found this stage reflective, even therapeutic — a chance to explore their own life story and how it shapes the carer they aspire to be.
Once your initial enquiry and application are complete, we’ll allocate you an experienced assessing social worker who will guide you through your Form F assessment.
This is a structured and in-depth process that helps us understand:
It’s also your opportunity to gain insight into the role of a foster carer and decide if fostering is right for you and your family.
Your assessing social worker will carry out a series of regular home visits, typically over a period of 8 to 10 weeks. These sessions are relaxed but focused, and give us a clear picture of your life, values and capacity to provide a safe and nurturing home.
We’ll explore:
We approach this work collaboratively, with sensitivity and respect. The aim is always to highlight your strengths while being honest about any areas where support or development may be needed
Form F is a required part of every fostering application, no matter which agency you apply to. At Wholistic Fostering, we view it as much more than a box-ticking exercise. It forms the foundation of the professional relationship we build with you, and helps us advocate for you confidently at panel.
Once completed, your Form F will be shared with you for review and reflection. You’ll have the chance to read through it in full and discuss any points with your social worker before it is presented to our Fostering Panel, where your application will be considered.
We understand that this can feel like a big step. But you won’t be alone. Your assessor is there to listen, explain, and support you throughout the journey — making sure you feel prepared and confident as you move forward.
Next step: Tools to Foster Training
