During the assessment process, it’s important to us that you feel comfortable and prepared for the different aspects of the process. That’s why we have created a list that tells you the key checks that are done and that could disqualify you:
- Criminal record checks
- Health checks
- References
- Overseas and military checks
- Child protection checks
- Ex-partners
- House, garden and neighborhood
- Household members
- Pets
- Finances
Criminal record checks
We will be required to conduct police checks on everyone over the age of 16 in your household. Probation teams will also be contacted from the areas in which you have lived in
Health checks
You will be asked to attend a medical appointment with your GP to make sure you are in good health to care for a child
References
Your employer will be contacted to provide a reference. You will also need to provide four personal references – at least two of them must not be family members.
Overseas and military checks
If you have been living overseas at any time in your life, or served in the armed forces we will then contact the relevant authorities
Child protection
We will conduct our own internal database checks to see if you have had any previous involvement with social services. We may also contact your children’s schools to check their attendance and commitment to education
Ex – partners
We are under strict rules that we need to take the contact details for any significant ex partners you have had. This is so we can contact them to conduct domestic violence checks. We can only decide not to do this if you can provide significant evidence that this would cause distress or threat to your family
Home, garden and neighborhood
Your house and local area will also be assessed for safety, facilities and access to schools. Garden ponds and water features must have a permanent child-safe plastic cover or grid, when fostering children under 8
Pets
Any pets in the home will also be assessed for safety, to ensure that there is no danger to the child. Any applicants who have dogs classified under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 will not be considered. Dangerous dogs include Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Braziliero
Finances
The family income and out-goings will be discussed, to help you assess the finance involved
