Whenever new fostering applications are considered, the applicants are asked to attend a Fostering Panel. This can seem daunting to some people, and exciting to others, however it is rarely as difficult as they fear! Your Fostering Social Worker will attend Panel with you.

To help you prepare to attend Panel, your Fostering Social Worker will have discussed with you the possible questions and issues that the Panel may ask you about. These will be connected to your Form F Home Study report, which you will have seen and signed, and your experiences on the Choosing to Foster Course.

Fostering Panels consist of between 8 and 10 members supported by a Panel Administrator, who takes minutes, and a Panel Advisor, who provides advice to the Panel about fostering practice and theFostering Regulations.

The Fostering Regulations lay down who must be included on a Fostering Panel, this includes people with experience and interest in Child Care, such as Social Workers, Foster Carers and members of the public. At least five Panel Members must be present. So be prepared for a room with 7-10 people in it!

You will be introduced to each member of the Panel and be with them for 15-30 minutes. You will then be asked to wait in the waiting area, while the Panel speaks to your Fostering Social Worker.

The worker will then come out and tell you the Panel’s recommendation. This recommendation is sent to the Decision Maker who will consider each case and make the decision about your approval as a Foster Carer. You will then be informed in writing, approximately 7-10 days following the Panel.