Which checks must be completed before foster carer approval?

Before approval, the fostering service must establish that each applicant is suitable to foster and that their household can provide a safe, stable environment. This involves verifying identity and personal history, assessing health and home circumstances, speaking to people who know the applicant, and checking any information that could affect safeguarding.

The checks normally form part of the wider fostering assessment rather than being separate from it. Applicants should provide accurate information, give consent where required and explain anything that may need further consideration. A previous difficulty does not automatically prevent approval, but withholding information can create significant concerns about openness and reliability.

• Identity and address checks: documents are used to confirm identity, nationality or immigration status where relevant, and current and previous addresses. The service may need a clear history covering the required assessment period.
• Criminal record checks: applicants undergo the appropriate enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks, including barred-list information where applicable. Relevant adults in the household may also need checks. The assessment considers the nature of any offence, when it occurred, the circumstances and evidence of changed behaviour; a disclosure is considered individually rather than treated as an automatic refusal in every case.
• Local authority checks: enquiries may be made with councils where the applicant has lived or worked, particularly where there has been previous involvement with children’s services. These checks help identify information relevant to safeguarding and suitability.
• Overseas checks: if an applicant has lived abroad, the service may seek police or other official information from the relevant country where this is possible. The applicant may be asked to provide supporting documents or explain why evidence cannot be obtained.
• Health assessment: a medical assessment considers whether the applicant is physically and emotionally able to undertake fostering. It may cover ongoing conditions, medication, mobility, sleep, stress and the practical demands of caring for children. The purpose is to understand support needs and any impact on fostering, not to require perfect health.
• Personal references: referees are usually people who know the applicant well and can comment on their relationships, responsibility, judgement, lifestyle and ability to care for children. The fostering service may contact referees directly and discuss their comments with the applicant.
• Household and home assessment: the assessment looks at everyone living in or regularly using the home, including their views and understanding of fostering. The property is considered for privacy, sleeping arrangements, safety, space and suitability for the type of placement proposed. Necessary safety improvements should be identified before approval.
• Employment and financial information: applicants may need to provide details of work, working patterns, income, commitments and household finances. This helps assess whether fostering can be managed alongside employment and whether the household is financially stable. It is not a means test for approval.
• Family and relationship history: discussions may cover significant relationships, childhood experiences, bereavements, previous caring responsibilities and any events that could affect fostering. This helps the assessor understand strengths, support needs and how applicants may respond to difficult behaviour or uncertainty.

Applicants should tell the fostering service about changes during the assessment, such as a new household member, a change of address, relationship breakdown, pregnancy, serious illness, a new job or police involvement. New information may lead to further checks or a review of the assessment, because approval must reflect the applicant’s current circumstances.

Some checks take longer than others, particularly when information must be requested from another organisation or country. An applicant can help by completing forms carefully, supplying documents promptly, giving full address and employment histories, and making referees aware that they may be contacted. If information is missing or inconsistent, the assessing social worker should explain what is needed and how it will be considered.

Once the checks and assessment are complete, the evidence is brought together in the assessment report. The report identifies any risks, protective factors, additional training or support needs, and the types of placement that may be suitable. The agency decision-maker then considers the completed assessment and makes the approval decision in accordance with fostering regulations and the service’s procedures.