DBS Checks for Foster Households: Full Overview

Deciding to foster a child is a profound commitment that brings joy, responsibility and a duty to safeguard vulnerable young people. A core element of that duty is the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which ensures that anyone in a foster household is suitable to work with children. This article explains what DBS checks are, why they are mandatory, how they fit into the foster care system, and what you need to know if you’re looking to set up a foster household in Birmingham and the surrounding areas.

What Are DBS Checks and Why They Matter for Foster Households

The DBS is a national system that provides criminal record information, bar‑lists and other relevant data to help organisations make safe employment decisions. In the context of fostering, the DBS check is the legal safeguard that protects children from harm. It is not a guarantee of innocence but a tool that allows social workers and local authorities to assess risk.

Types of DBS Checks Required

There are three levels of DBS checks that foster carers may need to obtain:

• Basic DBS – shows any convictions or cautions recorded on the Police National Computer.
• Standard DBS – includes basic information plus any unspent convictions and cautions.
• Enhanced DBS – the most comprehensive level, providing additional information from police databases, the NHS, and other sources. It is often required for carers who will work closely with children or hold a key role in a foster household.

Most foster carers receive an enhanced DBS, but the specific level required can vary depending on the age of the child and the role the carer will play.

Legal Framework and Regulations

DBS checks are governed by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Regulations 2014 and the Children Act 1989. The regulations set out who must be checked, how long checks remain valid, and the circumstances under which a check must be renewed. Local authorities and independent fostering agencies must comply with these rules when placing children in foster homes.

Eligibility and Who Must Undergo DBS Checks

Not everyone in a foster household needs a DBS check, but those who will have direct contact with children or manage key responsibilities do. The list below outlines the typical categories of individuals required to be checked.

Foster Carers

All primary foster carers must hold an enhanced DBS. If the household contains multiple primary carers, each must have their own DBS certificate. This requirement applies regardless of whether the carer is a single adult, a couple, or a family unit.

Family Members and Support Workers

Extended family members who will live in the foster home and have regular contact with the child, as well as paid support workers such as visiting nurses or therapists, must also have appropriate DBS checks. In many cases, a standard or enhanced DBS is required, depending on the nature of their involvement.

The DBS Check Process – Step by Step

Obtaining a DBS check involves several stages that can take several weeks. Understanding each step helps you plan and avoid delays in the fostering application.

Initial Application and Consent

When you apply to become a foster carer, you will be asked to provide written consent for a DBS check. This consent is usually given through an online portal managed by the local authority or the fostering agency. You will need to supply personal details such as your full name, date of birth, and National Insurance number.

Background Checks and Safeguarding

The DBS will cross‑reference your details against national databases. For enhanced checks, additional information is sourced from police records, the National Health Service, and other relevant bodies. The process also includes a safeguarding assessment, ensuring that you have no history that would pose a risk to a child.

Receiving the Certificate

Once the check is complete, you will receive a DBS certificate by post or electronically. The certificate is valid for a period that depends on the level of check and the authority’s policy, usually two to five years. It must be presented to the local authority or agency before a child can be placed in your home.

Supporting Foster Households – Training and Supervision

DBS checks are only one part of a broader support system that includes training, supervision and ongoing monitoring. These elements help foster carers manage the responsibilities that come with safeguarding children.

Training on DBS and Safeguarding

Local authorities provide induction programmes that cover the legal implications of DBS, how to interpret the certificate, and what to do if you discover a concern during the check. This training ensures that carers understand the significance of the information and how it informs placement decisions.

Ongoing Supervision and Re‑checks

Supervision is a continuous process. Social workers or agency managers visit foster households regularly to review the child’s welfare and the carer’s adherence to safeguarding protocols. If a carer’s DBS certificate is due to expire, a re‑check is required before the child can remain in the home. Some authorities also conduct periodic checks even if the certificate is still valid, to confirm ongoing suitability.

Allowances, Payments and DBS – How They Interact

While the DBS check itself does not directly influence the amount of allowance, it is a prerequisite for receiving any foster payments. According to official UK fostering guidance and local authority policies, a valid DBS certificate is mandatory before a carer can claim the full allowance for a child.

Payment Structure for Foster Carers

Payments to foster carers are typically made on a monthly basis and cover costs such as food, clothing, and education. The allowance varies by the child’s age, special needs, and the type of placement (short‑term, long‑term, or emergency). The exact figures are set by the Department for Education and adjusted annually.

How DBS Influences Payment Eligibility

Without a valid DBS certificate, the local authority will not issue a payment. The certificate demonstrates that the carer meets the safeguarding standards required to receive the allowance. Once the certificate expires, the carer must renew it to continue receiving the payment. Failure to do so may result in a temporary or permanent halt to funding.

Applying for a Foster Household in Birmingham

Setting up a foster household in Birmingham follows a structured application process that incorporates DBS checks, home visits and training. The city’s local authority, Birmingham City Council, works closely with independent fostering agencies to place children in suitable homes.

Local Authority Requirements

Applicants must:

• Complete a written application form.
• Attend an initial interview with a social worker.
• Provide a DBS certificate for each person in the household who will have contact with children.
• Undergo a home inspection to ensure the environment meets safety and suitability criteria.
• Attend mandatory training courses on child protection, health and welfare, and financial management.

Once all conditions are met, the carer is added to the local authority’s register and can begin receiving placements.

Nearby Areas – Coventry, Wolverhampton, Solihull

Many foster carers in Birmingham also operate in neighbouring local authorities. The requirements for DBS checks and training are consistent across the West Midlands region, but each council may have slight variations in application procedures. For example, Coventry City Council requires a separate registration form, while Solihull uses a combined application with Birmingham. Wolverhampton follows the same national guidelines but has a higher emphasis on community outreach.

Common Challenges and Realistic Expectations

Fostering is rewarding, yet it comes with practical and emotional challenges. Understanding these can help carers prepare for the journey ahead.

Managing Multiple DBS Checks

In households where several adults are involved, coordinating multiple DBS checks can be time‑consuming. Some carers find it helpful to schedule all checks concurrently and use the same application portal to streamline the process.

Balancing Work, Life and Safeguarding Duties

Carers often juggle employment, family commitments and the demands of safeguarding. Local authorities provide flexible training schedules and access to respite services to support carers in maintaining a healthy balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a standard and an enhanced DBS check for foster carers?

A standard DBS check includes basic criminal record information and any unspent convictions. An enhanced check adds additional details from police and other agencies, offering a more comprehensive view of an applicant’s suitability. Enhanced checks are typically required for primary foster carers and anyone who will have close contact with children.

How long does a DBS certificate remain valid for foster households?

Validity periods vary by the level of check and local authority policy. Generally, an enhanced DBS remains valid for up to five years, while standard checks may be valid for up to two years. Carers must renew their certificates before expiry to continue receiving placements and payments.

Can I use a foster carer’s DBS certificate if I am a relative who will live in the foster home?

No. Every individual who will have direct contact with the child must hold their own DBS certificate. This includes relatives who share the household and any support workers.

What happens if a foster carer’s DBS check shows a disqualifying offence?

If the check reveals an offence that poses a risk to a child, the local authority will not approve the placement. The carer may be given an opportunity to appeal or to complete additional safeguarding training, depending on the nature of the offence and local policy.

Is there a fee for a DBS check for foster carers?

The DBS check itself is free for those applying to become foster carers. However, some agencies may charge a small administrative fee to cover processing costs. It is advisable to confirm any such fees with the local authority or agency before starting the application.