What documents do I need to apply to become a foster carer?

The paperwork for fostering is collected in stages rather than as one single bundle. You do not usually need to have every document ready before making an initial enquiry. Once you decide to proceed, your fostering team will give you a checklist, explain how each item should be supplied and tell you if anything needs updating or further evidence.

At the beginning of the application

The first stage is about confirming who you are, where you live and who is part of your household. You may be asked to provide suitable evidence such as a passport or birth certificate, a driving licence, and recent correspondence showing your current address. If your name has changed, documents such as a marriage certificate, divorce certificate or deed poll may be relevant.

If you are not a British citizen, you may also need to provide evidence of your immigration status and your permission to live in the UK. The exact requirements depend on your circumstances, so discuss these with the fostering team rather than assuming that one particular document will be sufficient.

Information about your household

The assessment considers the household as a whole. You may therefore need to provide details for everyone living in your home, including adults and children. This can include dates of birth, relationships to you and information needed for the appropriate safeguarding checks. If another adult regularly stays at the property or will have contact with a fostered child, tell the assessing team so they can advise whether further information is needed.

Where relevant, keep documents that explain significant changes in your circumstances, such as a separation, adoption, previous fostering experience or a move to a new home. The purpose is not to create unnecessary paperwork; it is to give the assessing social worker an accurate picture of your household and the support available around you.

Employment, income and financial information

You may be asked for information about your work history, current employer and employment arrangements. This helps the assessment consider whether fostering can fit alongside your working pattern and other responsibilities. Self-employed applicants may need to provide different evidence from employees, such as details from their accountant or relevant financial records.

Financial information is considered to establish that your household can manage its existing commitments. It is not normally about proving that you have a particular level of wealth. Be open about significant debts, benefits, loans or other financial pressures, because withholding information can create difficulties later in the assessment.

Health evidence

You will normally be asked to complete a health declaration or consent for your GP or another medical professional to provide relevant information. You may need to give details of current or previous conditions, treatment, medication and any support you receive. The assessment is concerned with your ability to meet the needs of a child safely and consistently; having a health condition does not automatically prevent someone from fostering.

Tell the fostering team if your circumstances change while your application is being considered. They can explain whether updated medical information is needed and how it should be obtained.

References and background checks

Fostering applications normally involve personal references from people who know you well. Referees are often expected to comment on your character, relationships, reliability and ability to care for children. Choose people who can give a balanced and informed account of your circumstances, and check that they are willing to be contacted before you submit their details.

The agency will also seek permission for statutory and safeguarding checks. These may involve the DBS, local authority records and other enquiries relevant to your history and household. You should answer forms fully and accurately, including information about matters that may feel old or insignificant. If you are unsure whether something needs to be declared, ask the assessing team rather than leaving it out.

How to prepare your paperwork

• Read each form carefully and ask for an explanation if a question is unclear.
• Use your current legal name and make sure dates and addresses match across documents.
• Tell the team if a document is unavailable, has been lost, is not in English or contains different personal details.
• Keep copies of anything you submit and record which forms or permissions you have completed.
• Do not alter documents or leave gaps in your history without explaining the reason.
• Inform the fostering team about changes to your address, employment, household or health during the assessment.

Some documents may need to be seen as originals, while others may be accepted as copies or through a secure online process. Do not send original certificates by post unless you have been specifically instructed to do so. Your fostering team can confirm how information should be shared and how personal records are handled.

Missing paperwork does not necessarily end an application. It may simply mean that the agency needs alternative evidence, an explanation or additional checks. The most helpful approach is to be honest about what you can provide and raise any difficulty early. The assessing social worker will use the available information, interviews, references and checks together when preparing the assessment, rather than relying on one document alone.