Checks and references in the fostering assessment

Why checks and references are important

Checks and references help us to make safe, informed decisions about fostering applications.

• Confirm that your home is safe
• Understand your background and experience
• Identify your strengths and support needs
• Ensure children receive high-quality, nurturing care
• Meet legal and safeguarding requirements

These checks are not about being perfect. They are about ensuring safety and providing children with the best possible environment.

Types of checks completed during assessment

We complete several mandatory checks as part of your Form F assessment. Your assessing social worker will discuss each one with you and keep you informed throughout the process.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is completed for:

• You (the applicant)
• Your partner (if applicable)
• All adults aged 18 or over living in your home

This check shows any criminal record information that helps us ensure children’s safety.

A criminal record does not automatically prevent someone from fostering. We assess each situation individually, looking at context, time passed and relevance to caring for a child.

Health assessment

You will be asked to complete a medical assessment with your GP.

This helps us understand:

• Your physical and mental health
• Any conditions that may affect your ability to foster
• What support you might need

This is not a fitness test. Many foster carers have long-term health conditions. We simply need a clear picture of your wellbeing so we can support you properly.

Home safety checks

We visit your home to ensure it is:

• Clean, safe and welcoming
• Free from significant hazards
• Suitable for children
• Equipped with a spare bedroom

We may offer suggestions for safety improvements, such as stair gates, window locks or fire safety measures.

Financial checks

You will be asked to share information about:

• Household income
• Regular expenses
• Any debts or financial commitments

This helps confirm stability and ensures you can manage daily life without relying on fostering allowances.

Employment and local authority checks

We request:

• A reference from your current employer
• References from previous employers where you worked with children or vulnerable adults
• Checks with local authorities in areas where you have lived

These checks help us understand your experience and safeguarding history.

Ex-partner checks

If you have been in a significant previous relationship—particularly one where you lived together, were married, or shared parenting responsibilities—we will usually contact your ex-partner as part of the assessment.

This is a standard requirement across UK fostering services and is an important safeguarding step.

Why we complete ex-partner checks

The purpose of this check is to:

• Gain a fuller understanding of your past relationships
• Explore how you manage conflict, communication and co-parenting
• Understand any historical concerns that may be relevant
• Build a balanced, accurate picture of your family history

What to expect

Your assessing social worker will discuss this with you first. We understand that every relationship ends for different reasons, and we approach this sensitively.

We will consider:

• Whether the ex-partner is appropriate to contact
• Any risks or safety concerns
• The nature of the relationship and how long you lived together
• Whether there are shared children

In some cases, such as where there has been domestic abuse, harassment, or there are safety concerns, we may decide not to contact the ex-partner. Instead, we would gather information in other ways, such as speaking with professionals or reviewing available records.

How the information is used

Ex-partner checks are not about judging your past. Many people have complex histories, and this is completely normal.

We use the information to:

• Build a complete picture of your life experiences
• Understand how past relationships influence your current strengths
• Ensure transparency
• Support a thorough and fair assessment

Any information shared is treated confidentially and considered alongside all other parts of your Form F.

Personal references

We ask for at least three personal references, usually from:

• A close friend
• A family member (not living with you)
• Someone who knows your household well

Reference visits may be completed in person or by video call. We ask about your character, strengths, relationships and reliability.

School or nursery checks (if you have children)

If children live in your home, we will request information from their school or nursery.

This helps us understand:

• Their wellbeing
• School attendance
• Any concerns or additional support needs

This information supports your entire household through the fostering process.

Pet assessments

If you have pets, we complete a pet assessment to ensure:

• Animals are well cared for
• They pose no risk to a child
• The environment is safe

Many foster carers have pets, and animals often provide comfort and stability for children.

Health and safety of the home environment

As part of the assessment, we also look at:

• Fire safety measures
• Garden and outdoor space
• Storage of medicines, chemicals and tools
• Safe sleeping arrangements

We provide guidance if any adjustments are needed.

What happens after the checks are completed?

Your assessing social worker will:

• Review all results
• Discuss any areas that require clarification
• Include findings within your Form F assessment
• Support you in understanding next steps

All checks are completed sensitively and with respect for your privacy.

How long do checks and references take?

Most checks are completed within 4 to 6 weeks, but some may take longer depending on:

• GP availability for medicals
• DBS processing timelines
• Reference response times

We will keep you updated throughout.

Your information is kept confidential

All information gathered is:

• Stored securely
• Shared only with those involved in your assessment
• Used solely to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children

We follow strict data protection and safeguarding regulations.

Frequently asked questions about checks and references

Will a past mistake stop me from fostering?

Not necessarily. We look at context, honesty and whether it affects child safety.

What if someone in my home does not pass a check?

We will discuss options with you and provide clear guidance.

Why do you need so many references?

References help us understand your support networks and personal strengths.

We are here to support you

We understand that checks and references may feel daunting, but we guide you through every step with openness and support.