Our fostering consultant develops a range of practice notes, briefings and other resources to support our members in their work. They also support the exchange of ideas and good practice at our regular practice forums.
News and updates
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'Adoption & Fostering' journal #15 | Looking past the stereotypes – Disabled people as foster carers
In this episode, Peter Unwin and Becki Meakin discuss their research into the underrepresentation of disabled people as foster carers, highlighting the systemic barriers and stereotypes that prevent their inclusion. They outline how fostering agencies can better recruit and support disabled carers through inclusive practices, training, and a shift away from deficit-based thinking.
Watch hereForm F (Prospective Foster Carer Report) England (2025)
Form F (Prospective Foster Carer Report) 2025 (England) is an assessment framework which encapsulates the work that has been done with the assessing social worker and the prospective foster carer/s. The social worker completing a Form F will assess the capacity, experiences, motivations and skills applicants bring and also prepares them for the task of fostering. The form has undergone a substantial revision.
The revision has been informed by feedback from practitioners, foster carers, care experienced adults and other stakeholders within the sector. The revisions are designed to make the assessment strengths-based and trauma-informed as well as to streamline the process. There is a new section about children’s needs to consider how the prospective foster carers will be able to meet these.
The new Form F (Prospective Foster Carer Report): Focusing on the child’s needs and how carers can meet them
Form F (2025) has been updated to improve its language and tone, making it more accessible for both carers and assessors. One of the most important changes is the addition of a new section focused on children’s needs—and how prospective carers can meet them.
Read moreFoster Care Fortnight 2025: The power of relationships
Foster Care Fortnight (12 – 25 May 2025) is the UK’s largest awareness raising campaign for fostering. The fortnight is hosted by The Fostering Network. This year’s theme is the power of relationships, “because at the heart of every fostering journey are the connections that make all the difference”.
Foster Care Fortnight: The power of relationships - helping children in care learn to trust and thrive
In this heartfelt conversation for Foster Care Fortnight, foster carer Paul Calder shares powerful stories that highlight the importance of consistent, compassionate relationships in helping children in care learn to trust and thrive. Through practical examples and emotional turning points, Paul emphasises how small, everyday actions can have lasting impacts on a young person’s sense of belonging and self-worth.
Read moreGuidance
The usual fostering limit, exemptions, and terms of approval of foster carers (England) | 6 November 2017
Practice Notes
These are the latest fostering practice notes available to our members as free PDF downloads:
Practice Note 73 - Disabled Foster Carers
Practice Note 72 - Planning the Assessment of a Foster Carer's New Partner
Practice Note 71 - Writing a Fostering Panel Annual Report
CoramBAAF Conversations
Our podcast series is dedicated to exploring topics related to adoption, fostering and kinship care. We invite children's social care professionals and experts by experience to join us to share best practices, their knowledge and experiences.
Episode 40 | Child sexual abuse in foster and kinship care, special guardianship and adoption
In this episode of CoramBAAF Conversations, Jo Francis (Publications Manager) is joined by Hedy Cleaver and Wendy Rose OBE to talk about their Good Practice Guide, 'Child sexual abuse in foster and kinship care, special guardianship and adoption: Learning from safeguarding reviews 2007–2022'.
Watch hereAdoption & Fostering journal #14 | Outcomes from attachment-based group interventions for foster carers and adoptive parents
In this episode, Dr. Dennis Golm explores the findings of a recent systematic review examining outcomes for foster carers and adoptive parents who participated in attachment-based group interventions. He speaks with the review’s authors: Dr. Ranjitha David, Dr. Pallab Majumder and Natasha Dembrey. Together, they discuss the current evidence, practical implications, and future directions for supporting carers and children through attachment-informed approaches.
Watch hereFostering book bundles
To help newly qualified social workers, or those that want to refresh their knowledge, we have created a fostering starter packs. Timeless bestsellers that offer invaluable guidance for the vital work of fostering professionals.
Starter pack
Get 'Fostering now', 'Making good assessments', and 'The child's legal journey through care' for £40 (usually £49.90).
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Bumper starter pack
Dive into these essential resources to gain practical insights and robust guidance, whether you're just starting or a seasoned professional. Get this bundle for £75 (usually £82.80).
See moreInfluence change
Our multidisciplinary groups and provide a platform to our members so we can advocate on their behalf to Government, and ensure that their voices are heard in the development of legislation, policy and practice.
Fostering Practice Forum
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