What evidence do I need for foster carer approval?

Evidence for foster carer approval is a combination of verified documents, statutory checks and information gathered during your fostering assessment. It is not usually a single certificate or formal qualification. The fostering service uses the evidence to build a clear picture of your identity, circumstances, experience, health, household and ability to provide safe, consistent care.

Documents you may be asked to provide

• Proof of identity, such as a passport, driving licence or birth certificate.
• Proof of your current address and, where relevant, details of previous addresses.
• Information confirming your right to live and work in the UK, where this applies.
• Details of your employment, self-employment or other regular income.
• Information about your household, including the names and ages of people who live with you.
• Details of previous fostering, adoption, childcare, education, social care or other relevant experience.
• Information about pets, vehicles and any arrangements that could affect the safety or care of a child.

The service may ask to see original documents or take copies so that information can be checked accurately. If a document is unavailable, out of date or contains information that differs from your application, explain this rather than leaving a gap. An inconsistency does not automatically prevent approval, but the assessing social worker will need to understand it.

Checks completed by the fostering service

You will normally give consent for the service to request the checks required for fostering. These can include Disclosure and Barring Service checks for relevant members of the household, local authority checks and enquiries with previous fostering or adoption services where applicable. The service will also seek information about your employment and may explore any previous concerns involving children or vulnerable adults.

These checks are considered alongside the rest of the assessment. A previous conviction, period of difficulty or concern in your history is not something to conceal. Its relevance will depend on the circumstances, how long ago it happened, the outcome and what has changed since then. Open, consistent explanations are important.

Health and medical evidence

A medical assessment is normally required so that the fostering service can understand whether your health could affect your ability to care for a child. This is not a requirement to have perfect health. Your GP or another medical professional will be asked to provide information about relevant conditions, treatment, medication and any support you may need. The fostering service considers how your health affects the practical demands of fostering, including appointments, routines and emotional resilience.

You should disclose significant health information accurately, including mental health history where relevant. The purpose is to identify safe and realistic arrangements, not to make assumptions based on a diagnosis.

References and personal history

References help the assessing social worker understand how you manage relationships, responsibility, pressure and the needs of others. Referees are usually people who know you well and can comment meaningfully on your suitability. The service may also ask about current or previous relationships, children, significant life events and people who provide support.

Former partners or other adults connected to your household may need to be considered, depending on your circumstances. This can feel personal, but it helps the assessment identify any issues that could affect a child’s safety, stability or experience in your home.

Evidence gathered through the assessment

Not all evidence is paperwork. Your assessing social worker will usually discuss your experiences and views through interviews and home visits. You may be asked to explain:

• how you would respond to behaviour that communicates distress or trauma;
• how you would work with birth parents, social workers, schools and health professionals;
• how you would maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality;
• how you would manage allegations, disagreements or safeguarding concerns;
• what support you could draw on when fostering affects family routines;
• how your home and lifestyle could meet the needs of the children you are considering caring for.

The service may ask for examples from your work, family life, volunteering or other responsibilities. You do not need to have experienced every situation already. The assessment is concerned with your understanding, ability to reflect, willingness to learn and capacity to follow professional guidance.

Home and household evidence

A home visit allows the service to consider practical safety matters, sleeping arrangements, privacy, storage of medicines and hazardous items, fire safety and the suitability of shared spaces. The exact requirements can vary according to the age and needs of the child. Household members may also be spoken to because fostering affects everyone living in the home.

How the evidence is used

Your documents, checks, references, medical information and assessment discussions are brought together in a fostering assessment report. You should have an opportunity to correct factual errors and provide relevant comments. The report is considered as part of the approval decision, alongside the type of fostering and the ages or needs of children you may be able to care for.

If evidence is missing or further clarification is needed, the service may request additional information before a recommendation is made. Providing documents promptly, keeping information consistent and asking what is needed when you are unsure can make the process easier to follow. Your fostering service should explain which items apply to your circumstances and how they will be used.