When you have found a service that you are comfortable with and they agree that you might be suitable to foster you will be asked permission for the service to carry out the first round of checks.
Checks and References
The agency will then collect basic factual information from you and your household such as:
- names and dates of birth, occupation, income.
- three referees the agency can contact, two of which must not be related to you
- basic information on the kinds of child you are open to adopting
Medical Report
You will be required to undergo a medical with your GP which will then be considered by the agency’s Medical Adviser. This is simply to ensure that you are fit enough to cope with the rigours of parenting. Any medical issues that arise from this report will be discussed with you, and sometimes further information will be sought.
Criminal Background Check
Adoption agencies will also need you to complete criminal background check (DBS) is simply to confirm that you have no convictions or cautions that would prevent you from being an adoptive parent. It’s important that you share anything that might come up with your adoption agency as they can then work through any potential issues with you.
If at any point you decide you don’t want to go ahead to the next stage of the process, speak to your social worker. It may not be the right for you or you may want to return to it later in life when you feel your circumstances are more suitable to foster.