Becoming a foster carer is an exciting and meaningful role that comes with a great deal of responsibility. To ensure every child is welcomed into a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment, and that you feel fully prepared for becoming a foster carer, comprehensive checks and assessments are undertaken prior to you being approved as a foster parent. At Family Fostering Partners, we will guide you through each stage, offering clear information and continuous support so you feel confident and ready to provide the care every child deserves.

Checks to Become a Foster Carer

Background Checks

Your fostering provider will contact the Local Authorities in the areas where you have lived to check if there is any information that might affect your suitability to foster. If you have lived abroad, relevant overseas authorities will also be contacted.

In addition, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be completed to ensure you have no criminal convictions that would prevent you from fostering. 

Fostering Medical Assessment

A medical assessment, carried out by your GP, will look at whether you are physically and emotionally able to meet the needs of a child. This is not about excluding people who have health conditions – many foster carers do – but about making sure fostering will not compromise your health, wellbeing or your ability to provide care.

Home Safety Check

Your home will be assessed to make sure it offers a safe and welcoming environment. This includes looking at fire safety measures and any potential hazards. If changes are needed, your assessing social worker will guide you through the changes needed.

References

We will speak to people who know you well; your friends, family and any birth children. These conversations help us understand your values, lifestyle, and support network, all of which are important in creating a safe and stable environment for a child.

Employment References

We will contact your current or most recent employer to obtain an employment reference. This helps to confirm your reliability, integrity, and ability to manage responsibilities. If you have worked with children or vulnerable individuals before, your fostering provider will ask for additional references from those roles. 

Take the First Step – Become a Foster Carer Today

If you’re ready to take the first step on your fostering journey, we’d be delighted to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have about the checks required to become a foster carer, or about the fostering process in general. You can use the ‘Talk to Us’ feature in the bottom right hand corner to talk to one of our fostering experts.