Panel and approval
The final stage before your fostering journey begins.
An independent fostering panel reviews your assessment and meets you before making a recommendation about your suitability and terms of approval.
Before panel
You will know what to expect.
Your assessor completes the Form F report with you and explains the recommendation. Panel members review that report and relevant checks before the meeting.
Panels bring together people with experience across social care, health, education and fostering, including people with personal experience of care. Their role is to ask constructive questions and provide an independent recommendation.
On the day
A structured, supportive conversation.
- 01
Welcome
The panel chair explains the meeting and helps everyone settle in.
- 02
Questions
Panel members ask about points from the assessment, your support network and your preparation.
- 03
Discussion
You leave briefly while panel considers its recommendation.
- 04
Recommendation
You are usually invited back to hear the panel’s recommendation and feedback.
- 05
Final decision
The agency decision-maker reviews the recommendation and confirms the formal outcome in writing.
After approval
From assessment to careful matching.
Once approved, you meet the referrals team and your supervising social worker. They build a detailed family profile and talk with you about the ages, experiences and needs of children you may be able to support.
Approval is the beginning of a continuing professional relationship: induction, training, supervision and annual review all help your practice grow.
Take the first step
Could fostering be part of your story?
Ask your questions in a relaxed, confidential conversation with our Manchester team.