Fostering Background Checks | Checks & References

During your fostering application process, we carry out a number of crucial and essential checks and references.

These include:

A Disclosure Scotland check for anyone in the fostering household aged 16 years and over.
Local authority – we will undertake residency checks for the last ten years, or longer if needed.
Health medical assessment – a medical report will be completed by your GP. This report will highlight any health conditions that may affect your ability to foster children and young people. Having an underlying medical condition won’t automatically disqualify you from becoming a foster carer; it will completely depend on how you manage your condition.
Home assessment – A member of our team will carry out a full safety check on your home to ensure the environment is safe, secure and well maintained. We may offer some recommendations or advice to ensure your home will be ready for fostering.
Pet Assessment – We know that pets are part of your family too. Animals can help children to relax and settle into a new home, but we do need to make sure there is no risk involved. We’ll complete a pet questionnaire to help us determine whether your pet is safe to be around foster children. We cannot accept applications from anybody who has a banned breed in the UK, as part of the Dangerous Dog Act.
If required, evidence of citizenship.

References

In addition to the necessary checks we will also need references from people you might know in a personal or professional capacity which include:

Personal referees – Written references from family and friends

Employment reference including voluntary organisations

Ex-partner reference – if you have been involved in a previous significant relationship (with your permission).

If you have fostered before, we will need a reference from your previous foster care agency.

Frequently asked questions

What is the process of becoming a foster carer?

Applying to become a foster carer involves a number of steps and starts when you contact us.

Step 1 – Get in touch

We’ll have a chat to you talk to one of our friendly fostering advisors by calling 0141 646 4805 or filling in our enquiry form

Step 2 – We’ll visit you at home

We will arrange for one of our fostering advisors to visit you at home to talk to you in more detail and what to expect and how we will support you and find out a bit more about you.

Step 3 – Start your application

If you decide you’d like to apply to foster with us, we’ll start you application process. The process involves filling in an application form and once accepted we will then undertake your fostering assessment.

Step 4 – Fostering assessment

Following your application we’ll undertake a fostering assessment. Your assessing social worker will visit you and your family at home a number of times to speak to you and collect information about you and your life. It will help us to understand more about you. In addition you will attend a preparatory training course to help you learn more about fostering and how to handle different situations. The assessment process takes between four to six months.

Step 5 – Meet the panel

Once your assessment is finished you will go to a fostering panel who will make their recommendation. The group is made up of people with fostering experience. Your social worker will help you prepare and be there for support. Read our blog about panel to help you understand.

Once approved the real fostering journey starts.

Learn more about becoming a foster carer

The Roadmap to Fostering Process

Who can apply to become a foster carer?

Anyone can apply to foster with us. We welcome foster carers from all walks of life; no matter what your gender, age, race or sexual orientation. We do have criteria though:

You need a spare room
You need to be over 21
You need to have British Citizenship or permanent leave to stay in the UK

Do I need any special qualifications or experience to foster?

No, we will give you all the training you need together with ongoing development and support.

Learn more about the fostering process.

Do I need to have a spare room to foster?

Yes, you’ll need to have a spare bedroom to foster a child.

There are a number of different reasons why you need a spare bedroom in your home. Primarily it is part of the Fostering Services National Minimum Standards stating every child over the age of three should have their own bedroom. But not only this, there are many other factors such as the child’s safety, security and privacy to also consider.

A child needs their own bedroom to provide a sense of security and dedicated space to play or be creative without distraction.

Learn more about fostering and a spare bedroom.

Other steps on your journey to fostering

Application process

It’s important to us that you’re always kept well informed and the process is as stress-free and smooth as possible.

Pre-approval training

We want to help you become the best foster carer you can be, which is why we offer quality pre-approval training.

Panel

Before you join our FCA Scotland family, you’ll need to be approved by our fostering panel first.

Your first foster child

Here at FCA Scotland we know that once you’re an approved foster carer you’ll want to start fostering as soon as possible!

Matching and referrals

Matching is a critical part of the fostering process as it defines the success of the placement.

Speak to our team

Whether you’re ready to start your journey or just want to chat to an expert, we’re here to talk.

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