What checks are involved in becoming a foster carer in Worcester?

Fostering checks are carried out as part of a wider assessment of your suitability, circumstances and ability to care safely for a child. They are not treated as isolated pass-or-fail tests: the assessing social worker considers the information from each check alongside interviews, training, household circumstances and evidence about your parenting or caring experience.

Identity and background checks

You will need to provide documents confirming your identity, address and other relevant personal details. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is completed for each applicant. Adults in the household may also need checks, including anyone who regularly provides childcare or has significant contact with a foster child. The purpose is to identify information that could affect safeguarding and suitability.

Checks may also be made with relevant local authorities and social care services. If you have lived outside the UK, additional police or criminal record information may be requested from the countries concerned. You should disclose previous names, addresses and relevant history accurately so that the assessment is complete.

A criminal record does not automatically mean that you cannot foster. The significance of any information depends on factors such as the offence, how long ago it occurred, the circumstances and whether there is any continuing risk. Certain offences, particularly those involving children or serious harm, can prevent approval. It is important to discuss anything that may appear on a check rather than assuming it will end the application.

Health assessment

Your health is considered because fostering can involve emotional and practical demands, appointments, disrupted routines and the need to respond consistently to a child’s needs. You will normally complete a medical questionnaire, with information provided by your GP or another appropriate medical professional. A fostering medical adviser may review this information and advise whether any support, adjustments or further assessment is needed.

The assessment is not about requiring perfect health. The relevant issue is whether your current health, disabilities or ongoing treatment affect your ability to provide safe and reliable care. You should give accurate information about physical health, mental health, medication and any conditions that could affect caring responsibilities.

References and employment information

Personal referees are asked about your character, relationships, responsibility and ability to care for children. Referees should know you well enough to give useful, independent information. The fostering service will explain who can act as a referee and whether further references are needed because of your circumstances.

Where appropriate, your employer may be contacted, particularly if your work involves children or vulnerable people. This can help establish your employment history, reliability and whether your working arrangements are compatible with fostering. You should consider how fostering would fit alongside work, although employment itself does not automatically prevent someone from applying.

Household and home checks

The assessing social worker will visit your home to consider whether it provides a suitable and safe environment. This can include the sleeping arrangements, available space, privacy, safety equipment, pets, household routines and any risks that need managing. The home does not need to be luxurious, but it must be appropriate for the age and needs of the child you may foster.

Everyone who lives in the household has a role in the assessment. Their views, understanding of fostering and ability to manage changes to family life are explored. Regular visitors and other people who may have contact with a foster child may also need to be considered. If you have children, their views will be sought in an age-appropriate way.

Financial and practical enquiries

Information about your finances may be requested to confirm that your household is financially stable and that fostering is not being considered as a way to resolve urgent financial difficulties. You may be asked about income, regular commitments, debts and housing. This is separate from the fostering allowances you may receive once approved and should be answered openly.

Practical matters are considered too, including your support network, transport, childcare arrangements, work commitments and ability to attend meetings or appointments. The assessment looks at whether you can offer consistent care and work constructively with social workers, schools, health professionals and a child’s family.

What happens after the checks?

The checks are usually completed alongside interviews and preparation training. You may be asked to clarify information, provide additional documents or agree steps to reduce a particular risk. This does not necessarily indicate a problem; it allows the assessment to be accurate and transparent.

Your assessing social worker prepares a report bringing together the evidence. A fostering panel considers the assessment and makes a recommendation about approval, including the type and age range of children that may be suitable. The agency decision-maker then makes the formal decision. You should have the opportunity to correct factual errors or comment on the assessment before it is considered.

Before applying in Worcester, it is sensible to gather address and identity documents, prepare a full history of your employment and residences, speak to potential referees and discuss the decision with everyone in your household. Being open from the beginning usually makes it easier for the assessing team to understand your circumstances and identify any support or preparation that may be helpful.