What happens at a medical for fostering?

A medical for fostering is carried out to check that fostering applicants are in good enough health to meet the needs of children, and that they’re likely to remain in good health for as long as they plan to be foster carers.

Approved foster carers repeat the medicals every 3 years so that the fostering service can continue their oversight of foster carer’s health; earlier reviews may be carried out if there are concerns about the foster carer’s health.

The steps for fostering medicals are:

1. The fostering applicant completes their section of the medical form, outlining key information about their health

2. The form is sent to the GP, either via email or printed out and shared.

3. An appointment is booked with the GP so that any missing information can be obtained by the GP

4. The GP completes the form and returns it directly to the fostering provider

5. The fostering provider shares the form with the agency ‘medical advisor’, who reviews the report and comments as to the suitability of the applicants to foster

6. The medical report and medical advisor comments are reviewed by the assessing social worker, who uses the information to complete the appropriate section of the foster carer assessment.

The same processes is followed to carry out medical assessments for foster carer reviews.

Sparks Fostering has produced a bespoke medical assessment which is easy to complete and review. The Sparks Fostering form can be completed by any health professionals who are involved with the foster carer or other household members.