FOSTER CARE CHECKS AND REFERENCE
These requirements encompass an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, local authority checks, and health and safety evaluations. Additionally, we gather a range of personal and professional references. These checks and references constitute an integral aspect of the fostering application procedure, aimed at guaranteeing the safety and welfare of the children and young individuals who may be entrusted to prospective foster parents.
WHAT CHECKS ARE COMPLETED FOR FOSTERING APPLICATIONS?
Enhanced DBS checks (Disclosure and Barring Service)
This will be completed for every individual who’s over 18 and living within the fostering household. If appropriate, we may also need to complete a DBS on some adults outside of your household, who may be in regular contact with a child in your care – for example, parents or siblings.
Pet safety
All pets will be assessed to make sure they have a suitable temperament to be around children and young people and, for pet dogs, we will make sure they are not one of the banned breeds in the UK (as part of the Dangerous Dog Act).
Local authority
We’ll undertake local authority checks for the past 10 years, so we can review any previous involvement with social services. We may go back further if any concerns are raised throughout the assessment.
Medical assessment
Completed by your GP, this assessment will highlight any potential health conditions that may affect your ability to care for children and young people. However, it’s important to understand that having an underlying medical condition will not automatically disqualify you from fostering; it completely depends on how you manage your condition.
Home safety
This assessment ensures that your home is a safe, secure and well-maintained environment for a child or young person in care, including checking for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, window safety and more. A member of our friendly team will visit you to carry out the check, offering full guidance and any recommendations that may be required in order to start fostering.
REFEREES FOR FOSTERING
In addition to conducting various background checks, we’ll also request multiple references from individuals who have had personal and professional connections with you. These references encompass:
– Personal references: Each applicant must provide two personal referees, such as a friend, neighbor, or colleague, who have known the applicant for at least 5 years. If the same referee has known both applicants for this duration, they can be used for both.
– Family references: Each applicant must provide a family referee, who could be an aunt, uncle, or sibling, excluding biological children.
– Employment references: A reference from the current employer of each applicant is required. If you or your partner haven’t been with your current employer for at least 5 years, an additional reference will be necessary. Additionally, we’ll need a reference from every previous employer where you’ve worked with children or vulnerable adults, including any voluntary roles.
– Previous partner reference: Personal references are also needed from any previous significant partners. Typically, this applies to relationships lasting more than 2 years, where cohabitation or children were involved. In cases where obtaining a reference from an ex-partner is not feasible, we’ll collect a reference from someone who knew you well during that period instead.