What happens if a foster care check raises a concern?

A concern raised during foster care checks is a matter that needs further assessment before a decision can be made about your suitability to foster. It may relate to criminal records, health, references, household circumstances, finances, safeguarding information or a local authority record. Its significance is considered in context rather than by looking at the information in isolation.

The assessing social worker will normally record the concern and assess:

• what happened, when it happened and the circumstances surrounding it;
• whether the information has been accurately understood and verified;
• how relevant it is to caring for children and young people;
• whether there is any ongoing risk or unresolved issue;
• what has changed since the event or information arose;
• how you responded at the time and what you have learned from it; and
• whether safeguards, additional training or support could manage any identified risk.

For example, an old offence may be assessed differently from a recent offence, but the nature of the offence, its seriousness, any pattern of behaviour and its relevance to children’s safety will all matter. A health concern may lead to a request for more medical information or advice from an appropriate health professional. A reference that contains reservations may require the assessor to explore specific examples rather than treating the reference as an automatic refusal.

You may be asked to provide supporting information, such as court documents, medical evidence, explanations of previous circumstances, proof of changed circumstances or details of relevant support. Give complete and accurate information, including information that you think may be unfavourable. Omitting a known issue can create a separate concern about openness and judgement, whereas a clear explanation allows the assessor to consider the full picture.

The assessment should distinguish between information that requires clarification and information that indicates an unacceptable risk. The agency may consider whether the risk can be reduced through practical arrangements, supervision, training, household agreements or restrictions on the type of placement considered. Safeguarding concerns, serious relevant offences, ongoing substance misuse, significant unmanaged health issues or evidence that a child could not be kept safe may have a substantial effect on the recommendation.

Where the assessment continues, the concern and the evidence considered should be included in the assessment report. You should be given the opportunity to correct factual errors and provide your comments before the report is finalised. Ask the assessing social worker which information is being relied upon, what further evidence is needed and how you can respond. Some information may be subject to confidentiality or legal restrictions, so the assessor may not be able to disclose every source or detail.

Once the assessment is complete, the application is usually considered through the fostering agency’s decision-making process, which may include presentation to a fostering panel. The panel considers the assessment and makes a recommendation; the agency decision-maker then makes the formal decision in line with the applicable fostering regulations and procedures. Possible outcomes include continuing the assessment, requesting further work or information, recommending approval with particular terms, or deciding that approval should not proceed.

If the application is not approved, you should receive information about the decision and the relevant procedure for responding to it. The available route may depend on the stage reached and the organisation assessing you. Read the written decision carefully and ask how to raise an error, submit further information or use any review or representations process that applies.

A concern can also be raised after approval, for example if new information comes to light or circumstances change. In that situation, the fostering agency may review the matter under its safeguarding and fostering procedures. Be open about changes affecting your household, health, relationships, accommodation or ability to care for children, so that advice and any necessary reassessment can be considered promptly.

If you are unsure how to respond, prepare a factual timeline, gather relevant documents and discuss the issue with your assessing social worker. You can also seek independent legal or professional advice where the concern is serious or involves disputed records. The key issue is whether children can be cared for safely and consistently, based on reliable information and a balanced assessment of the circumstances.