Fostering

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

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.

Join our briefing sessions

For more information about the new Form F and the assessment process, join our free briefing sessions. Book your place to: 

• understand the key objectives underpinning the development of the new Form F 
• receive an overview of the development work that informed the design of the Form F and how we learnt from feedback   
• feel confident in knowing the structure of the new form and what has changed

Foster 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”.

Find out more

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.

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.