Do foster carer standards apply to everyone in the household?

No, not in exactly the same way. Foster carer standards are principally requirements for the people applying to become approved foster carers. However, the fostering service must assess the whole household because the behaviour, relationships and circumstances of everyone living there can affect a child’s safety and wellbeing.

This means household members are not usually approved foster carers simply because they share the home. They are not responsible for completing every foster carer task or meeting every requirement placed on the approved carer. The approved carer remains accountable for providing care, following the fostering service’s procedures, maintaining appropriate records and working with professionals. Nevertheless, other household members are expected to contribute to a safe and suitable home environment.

Adults living in the household

A partner or spouse will normally be closely involved in the assessment, particularly if they will share daily life with a fostered child. The fostering service will consider their views, commitment, relationships within the family and understanding of fostering. An adult who lives in the home may also need to complete relevant statutory checks, such as a Disclosure and Barring Service check, even if they will not be named as a foster carer.

Other adults in the household, including adult sons or daughters, relatives or lodgers, may also be considered. The precise checks depend on their circumstances and the extent to which they have contact with children in placement. The fostering service will explain which checks and information are required rather than treating every household member identically.

Adults are expected to:

• respect the child’s privacy, dignity, identity and personal boundaries;
• follow the household’s safer caring arrangements and any restrictions agreed for a particular placement;
• avoid taking on care or supervision responsibilities unless this has been agreed with the fostering service;
• raise concerns with the foster carer or supervising social worker; and
• keep information about the child confidential.

They should also understand that ordinary family routines may need to change. For example, household members may need to think carefully about visitors, sleeping arrangements, use of social media, transport, contact with birth family and what can be discussed outside the home.

Children and young people already living at home

Birth children and other young people in the household are not assessed as foster carers. Their age, understanding and ability to express their views are taken into account when considering whether fostering is suitable. The fostering service may speak with them in an age-appropriate way, giving them an opportunity to ask questions and explain any worries.

The assessment can consider issues such as sharing space, changes to family routines, personal belongings, noise, privacy and the possibility that a fostered child may need additional supervision or support. Children in the household should not be expected to provide childcare, manage difficult behaviour or keep secrets. Their safety and welfare remain important throughout the assessment and after approval.

A child’s concerns do not automatically mean that the household cannot foster. They do, however, need to be understood and addressed honestly. The assessing social worker may explore what practical arrangements, preparation or support would help everyone in the home.

People who do not live in the household

Frequent visitors, relatives who provide regular childcare and people who stay overnight may also be relevant to the assessment. They are not automatically treated as household members, but the fostering service must consider whether their contact with a child could create a safeguarding issue. Additional checks, boundaries or risk-management arrangements may be required where appropriate.

This is why an applicant should disclose regular visitors, household changes and close relationships rather than assuming that only permanent residents matter. The fostering service can then decide what information is needed and how contact should be managed safely.

How the household is assessed

During the fostering assessment, the social worker will usually discuss the household’s relationships, routines, support network, accommodation, health, pets, employment arrangements and previous experiences of caring for children. The purpose is not to expect an entirely problem-free family. It is to establish whether the home can offer consistent, safe and appropriate care, and whether any risks can be managed.

Applicants should involve household members in preparation and be open about possible changes. Training and discussions may cover safeguarding, confidentiality, trauma-related behaviour, allegations, safer caring and the impact of fostering on family life. Not every household member will complete the same training as the applicant, but everyone who is likely to be affected should understand the essential expectations.

After approval

The household’s responsibilities do not end when approval is granted. The fostering service will continue to consider household circumstances during regular supervision and review. A new adult moving in, a child reaching a different stage of development, a change in relationships, or a significant change in health or circumstances should be reported to the fostering service so that its effect on fostering can be considered.

In practical terms, the standards apply directly to approved foster carers, while the household is assessed and expected to support those standards. A household does not have to be identical to another fostering household, but it must be able to work within clear safeguarding arrangements and put the needs of children in placement first.