Will a criminal record prevent me from fostering?

A criminal record does not necessarily mean you can’t foster.

The law states that the only criminal convictions that prevent people from fostering are those that relate to an offence against children or a sexual offence. Minor offences should not count against you in your application to foster.

All criminal convictions will need to be disclosed when you first apply to foster as the application process to become a foster carer includes an enhanced Disclosure and Barring check (DBS).