What documents are needed for a foster carer application?

The documents needed for a foster carer application depend on your circumstances and the fostering service’s assessment requirements. Most applicants are asked to provide evidence of identity, address, household circumstances and immigration status, together with information that allows the service to complete safeguarding, health, financial and reference checks.

Documents commonly requested include:

• Identity evidence: for example, a passport, birth certificate or driving licence. The fostering service may ask to see original documents or certified copies.
• Proof of address: such as a council tax bill, tenancy agreement, mortgage statement or household bill. This helps confirm where you live and supports the required local authority checks.
• Right-to-live and work evidence: where relevant, immigration documents, a share code or other evidence of status may be needed.
• Household information: details about everyone living in your home, including children, adult relatives, lodgers and anyone else who regularly stays there. Information about pets may also be requested because the assessment considers the whole home environment.
• Relationship and family documents: documents such as a marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, divorce order or details of previous relationships may be relevant to understanding your family circumstances.
• Employment information: your employer’s details, job title, working pattern and, where appropriate, evidence of leave or flexibility. This helps the assessing social worker consider how fostering would fit alongside your existing responsibilities.
• Financial information: the service may ask about household income, regular outgoings, debts, benefits or other financial commitments. This is not usually about requiring a particular level of income; it helps establish that fostering is a considered and financially sustainable decision.
• Reference details: names and contact details for people who can comment on your character, relationships, reliability and suitability to care for children. Referees are normally contacted directly rather than providing a reference for you to upload.

Every adult in the household will normally need to provide consent for the relevant checks. This can include enhanced criminal record checks, local authority checks and other safeguarding enquiries. If an adult has lived or worked in another area, the fostering service may need information from the relevant local authority. Previous names, addresses and periods spent living abroad should be disclosed accurately, as gaps in this information can delay the assessment.

You will also be asked to complete health information and give consent for a medical assessment. A GP or other medical professional may be asked to comment on whether your health is compatible with fostering. This does not mean that every health condition prevents someone from fostering. The assessment considers the nature of the condition, its management and how it may affect the practical demands of caring for a child.

If you rent your home, you may need to provide your landlord’s details and confirm that fostering is permitted under your tenancy. Homeowners may be asked for information about the property and household arrangements. The fostering service will explain any housing-related evidence required and will assess whether the home offers suitable space, privacy and safety for a child.

Keep a clear record of your address and employment history before completing the forms. Gather documents that show your full name and current details, and check that dates are consistent across the application. Tell the fostering service about changes to your address, relationship status, household members, employment, health or immigration position while your application is being assessed.

Some records may be difficult to obtain, particularly documents relating to time spent overseas, previous employment or former addresses. This does not automatically prevent an application from progressing. Explain what is missing as soon as possible so the fostering service can discuss alternative evidence or further checks. Do not omit information simply because you are concerned it may affect your application; the assessment must be based on complete and accurate information.

Documents are only one part of the assessment. The fostering service will also discuss your motivation, experience of caring for children, support network, household relationships, ability to work with professionals and understanding of the impact fostering can have on family life. The information you provide is considered alongside interviews, training, home visits, references and statutory checks before a recommendation is made.

Before submitting anything, ask whether documents should be uploaded, emailed or shown during an appointment, and whether copies need to be certified. Avoid sending original documents by post unless specifically instructed. A member of the local fostering team can explain which evidence applies to your circumstances and help you identify anything still outstanding.