Simply Fostering

• 3.1: Introduction
• 3.2: Timescales
• 3.3: Fostering training
• 3.4: Home study

• Current page is 3.5: References and checks

• 3.6: Fostering panel
• 3.7: Post approval
• 3.8: Foster care Test
• 3.9: Children
• 3.10: Foster children

References and checks

Fostering Providers (Agencies) have to undertake rigorous checks by law to ensure the suitability of foster carers to look after vulnerable children and young people.

These include:

• Criminal Records Bureau checks on all people in the household over the age of sixteen years and any other people who would come into regular contact with a child or young person that was placed;
• Local Authority checks;
• References from employers, particularly where there is contact with children or young people;
• General Practitioners reference and medical examination;
• Two or three personal references. The referees will be interviewed and generally, must have known you for at least three years, not be related to you and if you are a couple, know both of you;
• Interviews will be carried out with all adults in the household and if appropriate with birth children who may live elsewhere.