Frequently asked questions: Fostering and adoption

Fostering and adoption questions

• Question: Am I too young or old?

• Question: I don't have children of my own does that matter?

• Question: I work, can I still foster?

• Question: What skills and qualities do I need?

• Question: Do I need any experience?

• Question: Is the assessment process long and personal?

  Answer:

  Some of the checks we will make during the process are:

  • DBS check for applicant(s) and any regular visitors to your household
  • medical check for applicant(s)
  • 6 personal references
  • current employer reference and any previous employer references if you have worked with children or young people
  • Children and Mental Health Services (CAMHS) check
  • NSPCC check
  • Other Local Authority checks (OLA) if you have lived anywhere else
  • Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) check
  • education checks if you have children of school age
  • local Police check

• Question: What if I have criminal offences?

• Question: How will I be supported?

• Question: How long would I foster a child for?

• Question: If I am single can I foster?