What checks are required to become a respite foster carer?

Respite foster carers complete the same core suitability checks as other foster carers. The purpose is to establish that you can provide safe, consistent care and that there are no known concerns affecting a child’s welfare. Checks normally cover your identity, household, criminal record, health, relationships, employment, finances and living arrangements.

Criminal record and safeguarding checks

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is normally required for every applicant and relevant adult household member. Depending on the circumstances, checks may also be needed for other adults who have regular, significant contact with children in the home. The assessment considers convictions, cautions and other relevant information rather than treating every historic matter in the same way. A previous offence does not automatically prevent someone from fostering, but it must be disclosed and considered honestly.

Local authority checks are also made with councils connected to your previous addresses or family circumstances. These may identify relevant involvement with children’s services, safeguarding concerns or other information that is not recorded through a DBS check. The agency will discuss any information that needs further clarification with you.

Identity, household and personal history

You will be asked to provide documents confirming your identity and address, together with details of your household and significant relationships. This can include information about current or previous partners, children, adult relatives and anyone else whose circumstances could affect a child placed with you.

Applicants are expected to give a full account of their personal history. The assessment may explore childhood experiences, family relationships, previous caring responsibilities, significant life events and how you manage stress or disagreement. This is not intended to judge ordinary personal experiences; it helps the assessing social worker understand your strengths, support needs and readiness to foster.

Health assessment

You will usually complete a medical assessment or health declaration, with information requested from your GP where necessary. This considers whether your physical and mental health could affect your ability to provide reliable care, respond to a child’s needs and manage the practical demands of fostering.

A health condition, disability or history of mental ill health does not automatically rule out fostering. The relevant question is how the condition is managed and whether any adjustments, restrictions or additional support are needed. You should be open about medication, treatment and any condition that could affect your caring role.

References and employment checks

Personal references are requested from people who know you well and can comment on your relationships, reliability and ability to care for children. The agency may also seek references from current or previous employers, particularly where your work involves responsibility, care or contact with children.

References are considered alongside interviews and the wider assessment. A referee may be asked for more information if their response is unclear or if there has been a significant gap in employment or personal history. If you are self-employed, alternative evidence may be discussed.

Financial and practical checks

Your finances are reviewed to confirm that your household is stable and that fostering payments will not be relied upon to meet immediate essential bills. This is not normally about having a particular income or owning your home. You may be asked about earnings, regular expenditure, debts, benefits and housing arrangements.

The agency will also consider whether your home and daily routine are suitable for respite placements. This includes who lives there, sleeping arrangements, household safety, transport, smoking, pets and any factors that could affect a child’s wellbeing. Respite approval may include specific terms about the ages or needs of children you can care for.

What happens if a check raises a concern?

A concern does not necessarily end an application. The assessing social worker should look at its relevance, seriousness, recency, circumstances and any evidence of change. You will normally have the opportunity to explain information and provide supporting documents. However, safeguarding concerns that indicate an unacceptable risk may prevent approval.

All the information is brought together in a fostering assessment report. This report is considered as part of the agency’s approval process, including by a fostering panel where applicable. The final recommendation will reflect the full picture rather than one check in isolation.

Being open from the beginning is important. Failing to mention a conviction, household change, health issue or relevant past event can create greater concern than the original information. Your assessing team can explain which documents are needed, request consent for checks and clarify anything that applies specifically to your household.