What documents do I need for a foster carer application?

The documents needed for a foster carer application depend on your circumstances and the checks required for everyone being assessed. Your assessing social worker will give you a checklist and explain which versions are acceptable. You should provide accurate, current information and tell them if a document is unavailable, contains an error or does not match your other records.

Documents are used to confirm your identity, establish your circumstances and support the statutory checks carried out during assessment. They are not considered in isolation. Your social worker will discuss the information with you, give you an opportunity to explain anything unusual and record relevant details in your assessment.

You may be asked to provide documents relating to:

• your identity and any previous names, including evidence where your name has changed;
• your current address and, where relevant, previous addresses;
• your National Insurance details;
• your work, income and financial commitments;
• your physical and mental health, where needed for the medical assessment;
• your relationship history, including marriage, civil partnership, separation or divorce where this is relevant;
• your household, including other adults and children who live with you;
• your experience of caring for or working with children;
• your references and the people who have agreed to provide them; and
• any information required for criminal record and other safeguarding checks.

Some checks require your written consent. For example, health information is normally requested through the fostering medical process, while criminal record checks require the relevant application and identity verification. Your assessing social worker will tell you whether the agency needs an original document, a certified copy, a clear scan or information entered on a form.

If a document is not in your current name, provide the supporting evidence that links the names together. This might apply after marriage, divorce or another legal name change. If you have lived overseas, worked in another country or do not have a complete UK address history, tell your social worker early. Additional checks or alternative evidence may be needed, and the requirements can vary according to your circumstances.

Documents should be readable and consistent. Check that names, dates of birth and addresses are recorded correctly before sending anything. Do not alter a document or leave out information because you think it could affect your application. Missing, unclear or conflicting information can lead to further questions and may delay the assessment while it is clarified.

Keep copies of everything you submit and note which documents have been provided. If you cannot obtain a particular item, contact your assessing social worker rather than substituting an unrelated document without checking. They can explain whether another form of evidence is suitable or whether the item can be obtained directly from the relevant organisation.

Information about documents should be sent using the secure method provided by the fostering service. Avoid emailing sensitive personal information unless you have been told that this is appropriate. The service will explain how your information is stored and who may need to see it as part of the assessment.

Being asked for a document does not mean that a decision has been made about your suitability to foster. The paperwork forms one part of a wider assessment, which also includes discussions, checks, references, training and assessment visits. If your circumstances change after you submit your documents, tell your assessing social worker so that your records remain accurate.