A medical is required as part of the fostering assessment and then subsequently it will be repeated periodically after approval.
The purpose of the medical is to determine if you’re in good health now and are likely to remain in good health long enough to provide care for children over the next few years. Even if you plan to only look after children on an emergency, respite, or short-term basis, it is expected that you will be available to provide a service for the fostering provider for several years.
Many fostering providers use a medical template provided by CoramBAAF, whereas Sparks Fostering uses its own custom-made medical assessment template. The template is sent to your GP, who will review your medical records and may also ask you to visit the practice for a medical checkup.
The GP’s report is then shared with a ‘medical advisor’ who is a medical professional, appointed by the fostering service, to review all GP reports. The medical advisor’s role is to determine if the applicant or foster carer is well enough to foster.
It is not unusual for foster carers to have a history of medical problems – whether emotional, mental or physical; indeed, some foster carers continue to face some challenges in regard to their health. Foster carers aren’t expected to be in perfect health, rather, they’re expected to be well enough to meet the needs of the children they are planning to care for.
Foster carers who have some medical issues may be asked to take action to improve their health, or at least to minimise the likelihood of their health deteriorating. There may also need to be plans put in place to determine what action is to be taken if the foster carer’s health declines. A strong support network is likely to be of significant benefit in such circumstances.
To find out more about fostering checks, see ‘ID and other checks’.