Can I foster if I have a criminal record?

A past conviction may still be compatible with fostering. The key issue is whether the information indicates a safeguarding risk and whether the offence falls within the categories that can legally prevent approval. Each case is considered in context rather than judged solely by the existence of a criminal record.

Fostering services must follow safeguarding requirements when assessing applicants. Some offences are treated as particularly serious, including certain offences involving children, sexual offences, serious violence, cruelty, exploitation, abduction or trafficking. Depending on the offence and the circumstances, approval may be legally prohibited. Other offences do not automatically rule out fostering but will require a detailed assessment.

The assessment may consider:

• what happened and the circumstances surrounding the offence;
• the age and circumstances of the applicant at the time;
• the sentence, including whether custody or other penalties were imposed;
• how long ago the offence occurred and whether there has been any further offending;
• whether the applicant accepts responsibility and understands the impact of their actions;
• any evidence of rehabilitation, such as completed courses, treatment, stable employment or positive professional references; and
• how the history could affect the safety, wellbeing and experience of a child placed in the household.

Fostering agencies normally require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check as part of the assessment. Spent convictions and cautions may still be relevant for fostering because this type of role is exempt from the usual rules that allow some convictions to be withheld. Certain old or minor information may be filtered under DBS rules, but applicants should not assume that it will be irrelevant. The agency will explain what information is needed and how it will be considered.

Checks are not limited to the main applicant. Adult members of the household, and other people who may have a significant connection with the fostering household, can also be subject to relevant checks. A criminal record belonging to someone else in the home may therefore affect the assessment, particularly if it raises concerns about access to children or the safety of the household.

It is important to disclose information fully and consistently. Trying to conceal a conviction can create greater concerns than the original offence because fostering depends on openness between the carer and the fostering service. If you are unsure whether a caution, conviction or police matter needs to be mentioned, raise it during the initial discussion rather than leaving it out of the application.

A criminal record does not usually mean that an assessment stops immediately. The fostering service may ask for further documents, speak with referees, seek additional information from professionals and explore how the applicant has changed since the offence. You may also be asked to discuss the circumstances in depth during interviews and training. This is intended to establish whether the household can provide safe and consistent care, not simply to repeat the details of the record.

If the information identifies an unacceptable safeguarding risk, the agency may decide not to proceed or may recommend that the applicant is not approved. Where approval is legally barred, the agency cannot disregard the restriction because an applicant is otherwise suitable. Where the offence is not a legal bar, the decision should be based on the full assessment evidence and the applicant’s current circumstances.

Before applying, prepare an accurate account of the offence, including the date, court outcome, sentence and steps taken since then. If available, gather evidence such as completion certificates, professional references or documents showing rehabilitation. Speaking openly with a fostering service at an early stage can help clarify whether the record is likely to require further assessment and what information will be needed.