Why does the agency need to know personal details and make checks?
Agency assessments for adoption and fostering.
Your assessment needs to be very thorough as your allocated social worker’s task is to consider whether you are suitable to adopt or foster a child and the type of child or children you would best be able to care for. They will consider the child’s physical, emotional, educational and health needs as well as their age, gender, ethnicity and past experiences.
The agency will be interested in your reasons for wanting to adopt or foster and will ask you a lot of personal questions about your family, childhood, experience of parenting, employment, support networks and relationships. Your social worker will also want to explore with you your strengths, limitations, and any possible areas needing development. Most people find the assessment process a demanding or rewarding experience.
As part of your assessment, adoption and fostering agencies have to carry out a series of checks to ensure that you are suitable to care for a child. This includes checks with your local authority, employer, and the Criminal Records Bureau (or Disclosure Scotland). You will also need to see your GP for a medical examination, as agencies have to make sure that you are healthy enough to look after a child; in the case of adoption and permanent fostering, until the child reaches adulthood.
The agency will also ask for the details of three personal referees (two in Scotland) who must be happy to meet with the social worker and speak honestly about you. Only one referee may be related to you, and each should have known you well for at least two years.
If you are planning to adopt or foster a child in the UK, there is no charge for these checks.
Have you seen our inspiring features on the process and our information on assessments for adoption and fostering?
Last updated: 16 November 07
