Does A Foster Carer Need A DBS Check? – Introduction
It is extremely important that people becoming foster carers provide a safe environment for the children in their care. Therefore, a DBS check must always be carried out to safeguard any children being fostered. As a foster carer, you will need to undergo a DBS check, as will anyone over 18 living in the same household, including anyone who regularly stays at the premises overnight.
Some foster services extend their DBS check policy to those 16 or over, but this is less common.
Does A Foster Carer Need A DBS Check? – What DBS Check Do Foster Carers Need?
To become a foster carer, you will need to have an Enhanced DBS Check with a Children’s Barred List check. The same goes for any other over-18 household members or people who regularly stay overnight at the household where a foster child will live.
Does A Foster Carer Need A DBS Check? – Who Can Apply For A DBS Check For Foster Carers?
Unlike a Basic DBS check, which you can apply for individually, Standard and Enhanced DBS checks can only be applied for by a company or organisation. The foster care or social work organisation you are working with will apply for the DBS Check for you.
Does A Foster Carer Need A DBS Check? – What If I, Or Someone I Live With, Has A Criminal Record?
Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, discrimination should not occur if the convictions are spent and do not suggest that the individual poses a risk to children. Whether you can foster children with prior convictions depends on the nature of the offences and the time that has elapsed since they occurred. Offences involving violence towards a child or sexual abuse will automatically disqualify you from being a foster carer. It is always best to speak to the agency you are working with about any prior convictions you, or a member of your household, received.
Does A Foster Carer Need A DBS Check? – Conclusion
To be a foster carer and provide a secure environment for the children you care for, you, as well as anyone over 18 living with you or staying overnight, must undergo an Enhanced DBS Check with a children’s barred list screening.
If you or someone in your household has a criminal record, it may not necessarily disqualify you, but it depends on the nature of the offences, and how long ago they occurred. Offences involving violence towards children or sexual abuse will lead to automatic disqualification. It’s best to discuss any prior convictions with your agency.
This DBS check is essential to ensure the child’s safety and well-being. If you have questions about DBS checks for foster carers, feel free to reach out to our experts for assistance.
Related Content
If you have found our article, “Does a Foster Carer need a DBS Check?” useful, we have some other helpful articles below, that you may find helpful.
Enhanced DBS Checks – Eligibility Guidelines
DBS Checks, Why Confidentiality Is Important
Spent and Unspent Convictions, What’s The Difference?
About The Author
Kellie Dawson
Kellie is our in-house legal expert when it comes to DBS checks. With a background in the legal sector, she has become a recognised authority in this area.