Attending your fostering panel is a major milestone on your journey to being approved as a foster parent, and it’s completely normal to feel a mixture of excitement, nerves, and anticipation. For many prospective carers, the panel feels like the biggest hurdle, and once approval is granted, a common worry follows:

“Will I have to come back to panel often?”

If you’re feeling unsure or anxious about what happens next, you’re not alone. Understanding the process can be incredibly reassuring, so here’s a clear and supportive guide to what you can expect after your initial approval.

What Exactly Is the Fostering Panel Responsible For?

Each fostering provider must have a panel. The fostering panel is a regulatory body made up of professionals and independent members. They come from various backgrounds and experiences – panel members can include teachers, doctors, nurses, magistrates, social workers, foster parents and care experienced individuals. The panels role is to:

• Review your assessment and training
• Consider whether fostering is appropriate for you
• Make a recommendation about your suitability to foster

They do not make the final decision about your approval. Instead, they provide a recommendation to the Agency Decision Maker (ADM), who has the authority to confirm your approval.

What Happens After Panel Approval?

Once the fostering panel recommends approval, your assessment, the panel’s recommendation and minutes of the panel are sent to the Agency Decision Maker. The ‘Agency Decision Maker’ or ADM is a person that makes the final decisions on behalf of the fostering agency. 

The ADM reviews all the paperwork and the panel’s recommendation before making the formal decision.

If the ADM agrees with panel’s recommendation, you are officially approved and registered as a foster parent with Family Fostering Partners.

After this point:

• You will begin regular supervision sessions with your Supervising Social Worker (usually once a month).
• You’ll be invited to further training and support.
• When the right match is identified, you may welcome a child or young person into your home.

How Often Are Review Meetings Held?

Once you are approved, foster parents have an annual review every year to reflect on their progress and update their approval if necessary.

Your first annual review typically returns to panel.

This is standard practice because it allows the panel to review how your first year has gone.

However, not all annual reviews go back to panel after the first year. This often depends on:

• Your agency’s policies
• Whether any significant changes have occurred
• Whether your terms of approval need updating

Your supervising social worker will explain what applies to your specific situation.

Your annual review looks at things like:

• Your fostering experience so far
• Your training and development
• Any support needs
• Whether your current approval still reflects your circumstances

The review ensures fostering remains safe, positive, and well-supported for everyone involved.

Can You Return to Panel Before the First Year?

Yes. Although this is less common, you may return sooner if:

• The fostering panel recommends an earlier review and the ADM agrees that an earlier review is appropriate
• Significant changes in your fostering household occur before your first year, and your approval needs to be updated.

Returning earlier is not a negative sign. It simply ensures that your approval and support match your current fostering experience.

What If You Want to Change Your Registration?

If you want to make changes before your annual review, you may need to return to fostering panel.

This often happens if you want to change your terms of approval.

What are “terms of approval”?

These describe what you are approved to do, including:

• The number of children you can care for
• The age range you can foster
• The type of fostering you provide (e.g., respite, long-term, parent and child)

If you request changes to your terms, panel may need to review and agree these before they become official. Your Supervising Social Worker will help you through the process and provide full support.

Support Beyond the Fostering Panel

Once approved, if you choose to foster with Family Fostering Partners, you’ll receive:

• Monthly official supervision with your Supervising Social Worker, as well as regular check ins.
• 24/7 on-call support
• Access to FosterTalk, who provide free legal, medical, emotional, and financial advice, plus exclusive webinars, discounts and savings.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• A generous fostering allowance

FAQs About Review Panels

Do all foster carers go back to panel every year?

No. Most carers return for their first annual review, but later reviews may not require you to attend unless there are significant changes.

Is going back to panel a bad sign?

Not at all. Reviews help ensure your approval accurately reflects your experience and capacity.

Why does the ADM make the final decision?

The ADM has legal responsibility for confirming approvals. The panel offers expert recommendations, but the ADM ensures decisions meet regulatory requirements.

How often will I meet with my Supervising Social Worker?

Typically once a month, plus additional support whenever you need it.

Fostering With Confidence at Family Fostering Partners

Most foster carers return to the fostering panel only once a year, and sometimes far less often. With clear guidance, regular supervision, and a friendly team beside you, the review process becomes a simple and supportive part of fostering.If you’re thinking of applying or have questions about approval, reviews, or the fostering journey, we’re here to talk, explain, and support you from day one. Get in touch today to begin your fostering journey with confidence.