What checks will you do on my background and health?
We will ask you to attend a medical examination with your doctor to make sure you are well enough to care for children. Your doctor will then send a confidential report to our medical advisor. Any health problems or disabilities will be considered alongside your ability to provide a loving and permanent home for a child.
You will need to provide us with the names of three people who know you well and can confirm your ability to provide a good home. Only one of these people can be a relative. We will need to speak to any previous partners or children from previous relationships.
If you work then your Social Worker will speak to your employer as well. We will also ask your permission to carry out various checks into your background including the Criminal Records Bureau, Police, Probation, NSPCC, Department of Health and local child protection organisations. As with all 'work' with children, it is necessary to perform these checks on every single applicant in order to protect the children's welfare. No checks will be made without your knowledge and consent.