Do my family members need a DBS?

Deciding whether family members should obtain a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is a common question for anyone considering fostering in Manchester. A DBS check provides a record of criminal convictions, cautions and other relevant information that helps safeguarding professionals assess suitability. The answer depends on the role the family member will play, the type of fostering arrangement and the policies of the local authority or independent agency involved. This article explains the purpose of a DBS, who is required to have one, how to obtain it, and what to expect during the fostering application process.

What is a DBS check and why it matters in fostering

The Disclosure and Barring Service is a national body that provides criminal records checks and maintains a barred list of individuals who should not work with children. In fostering, a DBS check is part of the safeguarding framework that protects children from harm. According to official UK fostering guidance and local authority policies, a DBS check is a standard part of the assessment for anyone who will have regular contact with a child in a fostering home.

Types of DBS checks

There are three main types of DBS checks:

• Basic DBS – shows unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings. It is usually sufficient for light contact roles, such as a family member who visits occasionally.
• Standard DBS – includes all basic information plus spent convictions. This level is often required for regular contact or care responsibilities.
• Enhanced DBS – provides the same details as a standard check plus any relevant information held by local police. This is typically required for key foster carer roles and for those who will be responsible for the day‑to‑day care of a child.

When a DBS check is mandatory

Local authorities and independent agencies usually require an enhanced DBS for:

• Key foster carer – the main adult responsible for the child’s welfare.
• Any adult who will be in regular contact with the child on a daily basis.
• Adults involved in decision‑making about the child’s care.

For occasional visitors or those who only meet the child a few times a month, a basic or standard DBS may be acceptable, but this depends on the specific policy of the fostering provider.

Family members and fostering: Who needs a DBS?

Family members can play various roles in a fostering placement – from primary caregivers to occasional visitors. The requirement for a DBS check hinges on the level of contact and responsibility.

Foster carer’s spouse or partner

If the spouse or partner is the key foster carer, an enhanced DBS is mandatory. Even if they are not the primary carer but will be involved in daily care, an enhanced check is usually required.

Parents or grandparents

Parents or grandparents who will be the main caregivers in a kinship placement typically need an enhanced DBS. For those who only visit occasionally, a basic or standard DBS may suffice, but this is confirmed by the local authority.

Siblings and extended family

Siblings who will act as secondary carers or who will spend significant time with the child should obtain an enhanced DBS. If their role is limited to short visits, a basic DBS may be acceptable.

Friends or other adults

Friends who will be involved in the child’s routine care must have an enhanced DBS. Those who only meet the child for social occasions usually need a basic DBS.

Exceptions and special circumstances

In some situations, a DBS check can be waived or a lower level may be accepted. These exceptions are rarely applied but are worth understanding.

Voluntary work with children

Adults who will work with children on a voluntary basis, such as a volunteer tutor, may be exempt from a DBS check if they are not in a caregiving role. However, the fostering provider will still assess the risk.

Short‑term placements

For short‑term placements of a few days or weeks, the local authority may accept a basic DBS for adults who will be in contact with the child. This is typically the case for holiday fostering or temporary respite care.

Situations where a DBS check can be waived

In rare cases, a DBS check may be waived if:

• The adult has a very short history of contact with the child.
• The local authority or agency has an alternative safeguarding measure in place.
• There is an urgent need for a child to be placed and the adult is a close family member with no history of concern.

Any waiver must be documented and approved by the social worker.

How to obtain a DBS check for family members

Getting a DBS check is a straightforward process, but it requires planning. The following steps outline the procedure.

The application process

1. Identify the level of check required – consult the fostering provider’s policy or the local authority’s safeguarding guidelines.
2. Complete the DBS application form – this can be done online through the DBS website or via a paper form if the adult has no internet access.
3. Provide identity documents – a passport, driving licence or birth certificate is needed to verify identity.
4. Pay the fee – fees vary by the level of check; the enhanced check is the most expensive.

Fees and timeframes

Fees are set by the DBS and are the same across the UK. The standard and enhanced checks are typically processed within 5–7 working days, but delays can occur during peak periods. Basic checks are usually faster, often completed within 48 hours.

Updating and renewing checks

DBS checks are not permanent. The validity period depends on the level:

• Basic checks are valid for 12 months.
• Standard and enhanced checks are valid for 3 years.

It is important to keep the check up to date, especially if the fostering arrangement is long‑term. Renewal can be requested through the DBS website or by contacting the agency.

Impact of a DBS check on fostering applications

Having a DBS check can influence the outcome of a fostering application in several ways.

Local authority vs independent agency requirements

Local authorities often have stricter safeguarding criteria. They may insist on an enhanced DBS for all adults involved in daily care. Independent agencies, while still bound by national regulations, sometimes offer more flexibility, such as accepting a standard DBS for certain roles. It is essential to confirm the exact requirement with the fostering provider before applying.

How a DBS check affects placement decisions

During the assessment, the social worker will review the DBS reports for each adult. A clean record strengthens the application, while any convictions or cautions may raise concerns. The final decision balances the child’s needs, the family’s capacity and the safeguarding risks.

Practical tips for families

Planning ahead and staying organised can ease the DBS process and improve your chances of a successful placement.

Planning ahead

Start the DBS application as soon as you know you want to foster. Even if the child’s placement is not immediate, having a current check in place shows commitment and reduces delays.

Keeping records

Maintain copies of all DBS certificates and expiry dates. Store them in a secure but accessible place, such as a cloud folder or a dedicated folder in your home office. This helps when the social worker requests documentation.

Communicating with the social worker

Keep an open line of communication. If you are awaiting a DBS result, inform the social worker of the expected completion date. If you encounter delays, ask if a provisional check can be used while waiting for the official certificate.

Common challenges and realistic expectations

While the DBS process is designed to be straightforward, several challenges can arise.

Delays and backlogs

During the winter months or after major events, the DBS can experience backlogs. If your application is delayed, contact the DBS helpline for updates and consider requesting a provisional check if the fostering provider allows it.

Handling multiple DBS checks

In a family fostering scenario, several adults may need checks. Coordinate the applications to avoid overlapping deadlines and ensure each adult receives the correct level of check. A shared calendar can help keep track of expiry dates.

Dealing with refusals

If a DBS check is refused due to a conviction or caution, it does not automatically disqualify the adult. The social worker will assess the severity and relevance to the fostering role. In some cases, the adult can still be involved in a limited capacity or may be required to attend additional safeguarding training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Do I need a DBS if I’m just visiting the foster child occasionally?

A: For occasional visits, a basic DBS is usually sufficient, but confirm with the local authority or agency. They may accept a police record check or a declaration of no criminal history.

Q2: Can I use a DBS from another country?

A: DBS checks are UK‑based. If you have a foreign criminal record, the social worker may request additional documentation. However, a UK DBS is mandatory for any adult in regular contact with a child.

Q3: How long does a DBS check take to be processed?

A: Standard and enhanced checks typically take 5–7 working days, while basic checks can be completed within 48 hours. Processing times can extend during peak periods.

Q4: What happens if my DBS check expires while I’m fostering?

A: You must renew the check before it expires. The enhanced DBS is valid for 3 years, so plan to renew well in advance to avoid a lapse in safeguarding compliance.

Q5: Do family members who are not directly involved in care need a DBS?

A: If they will only provide occasional support or social visits, a basic DBS may be adequate. If they will be involved in daily care or decision‑making, an enhanced DBS is usually required.