Fostering | CoramBAAF

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.

Brand new bundles for foster carers

Starter pack for foster carers

We know that starting out as a foster carer can be overwhelming at times. To help you feel confident in your role and in building relationships with the children and young people in your care, we have designed a bundle to support you in those early stages.

Fundamentals for foster carers

Are you ready for the next step in being a foster carer? If you've explored our starter pack for foster carers and are wanting to learn more, or you're seeking thoughtful reads on parenting, our 'Fundamentals for foster carers' bundle offers a rich collection of essential titles.

Handbooks for foster carers

Caring for children and teenagers is often not an easy task, but the outcomes can be hugely rewarding when carers see young people making changes to their behaviour, achieving little – or even big – things that matter to them, and starting to live fulfilling lives. Take a look at our handbooks for foster carers to help and support you along the way.

Form 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.

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”.

Find out more

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.

Guidance

The use of National Minimum Standards (NMS) in England as a benchmark for deciding on the suitability of foster carers including kinship foster carers | 7 June 2021

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

Practice Note 70 - The Fostering Decision-Maker (England)

Browse all Practice Notes

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.

Fostering 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.

Fostering now', 'Making good assessments', and 'The child's legal journey through care' front covers

Starter pack

Get 'Fostering now', 'Making good assessments', and 'The child's legal journey through care' for £40 (usually £49.90).

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).

Influence 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.