When are statutory checks completed during foster carer assessment?

There is no single calendar date when every statutory check is completed. They are managed as part of the wider fostering assessment, with each check requested, returned and reviewed at the appropriate stage so that the final assessment is based on complete and up-to-date information.

In practice, the timing usually follows a sequence:

• Consent and information gathering: you provide the permission and personal details needed for checks to be made. This can include information about your identity, household, addresses, employment and other relevant circumstances.
• Requests are submitted: the assessing service contacts the relevant organisations, such as the Disclosure and Barring Service, local authorities, employers and personal referees. Different organisations have their own processes, so responses may not arrive together.
• Results are checked against the assessment: the assessor considers the information alongside interviews, references, health information, household circumstances and your preparation for fostering. A result may lead to a request for clarification rather than an immediate decision.
• Outstanding matters are resolved: if a response is incomplete, an organisation needs more information or an address history requires checking, further enquiries may be made. This can extend the assessment timetable.
• The completed assessment is considered: statutory check results must be available and addressed before the fostering service can make its recommendation about approval.

Some parts of the assessment can continue while an external organisation is processing a check. For example, interviews, training and the preparation of references may take place in parallel. However, an assessment cannot simply treat a missing statutory response as satisfactory. The assessing service must record what was requested, follow up where necessary and explain any unresolved issue.

The timing can be affected by circumstances such as previous addresses, time spent living in another part of the UK or information that needs to be verified with a third party. Delays do not necessarily mean that there is a concern about your suitability; they may reflect the need to obtain an accurate response from another organisation. You should tell your assessing social worker if your circumstances change while checks are being completed, including changes to your household, address, employment or contact details.

When a check identifies information that needs consideration, you should normally be given an opportunity to discuss it and provide context. The information is assessed in relation to the fostering requirements and the safety and wellbeing of children, rather than being considered in isolation. The outcome and any reasons for further enquiries should be recorded as part of the assessment.

Become a Foster Family can explain which checks are outstanding, whether further information is needed from you and how the checks fit within the wider assessment process. Keeping documents and contact details accurate, responding to requests promptly and declaring relevant changes can help avoid avoidable delays.