Kinship carer assessment process

Before you can formally become a kinship carer, you need to go through an assessment process.

Why an assessment is needed

You must go through an assessment so that we can understand:

  • the child’s needs
  • your relationship with the child
  • your home environment
  • your health
  • your support network
  • any support you may need
  • what the long‑term plan for the child may look like

An assessment also helps us identify any training, financial support or practical help that may help you as a kinship carer.

We will guide you through the process, answer questions you may have and explain what each stage means for you and the child.

Stages of assessment

There are 3 stages to the assessment process.

Stage 1

You'll be assessed by a social worker. They will meet you to have open and honest discussions about caring for the child, the support you might need, and the needs of both you and the child.

Once this stage is over, you’ll be told within 2 weeks if you can move onto stage 2 of the assessment process.

Stage 2

The assessing social worker will look at your ability to meet the child’s emotional, physical and educational needs. They'll do checks on your health, lifestyle, financial situation, suitability of your home and your support network.

They’ll look at how well you understand the responsibilities involved in being a kinship foster carer, as well as your motivation and commitment to it.

This stage takes about 12 weeks and will help decide if you can provide a safe and stable home for the child.

Stage 3

Once the assessment is complete, the assessing social worker will write a report about your suitability to care for the child. This report will be taken to a fostering panel for approval. You’ll also receive a copy of this report.

The fostering panel is made up of professionals representing the kinship service, such as Virtual School, Early Help and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). They'll use the report to decide if you can be approved as a kinship carer.

You’ll also be invited to the panel, where you may be asked some questions. You’ll be given these questions in advance, and the social worker can help you prepare your answers.

When the panel has made a decision, you'll be told if you’ve been approved as a kinship carer.

Here's a video about the kinship assessment process:

Video: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALNp3Z1FNlU)

What checks are in the assessment

During the assessment process, you'll need to provide information, including:

  • 10-year address history (we'll do checks with the local authorities you've lived in)
  • personal references from 3 friends, colleagues, or neighbours
  • social media accounts, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok
  • employment references from current and previous employers

Get in touch

If you have any questions about kinship care or would like support, contact the Family, Friends and Fostering Team: