Why does your agency need to know personal details and make checks?

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 your strengths, limitations and any possible areas that need development. Most people find the assessment process both a demanding and 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 until, with adoption and permanent fostering, they reach 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.

Why not read some inspiring features from other families on the process, or our information on assessments for adoption and fostering?

Last updated: 02 March 10

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