What checks are required?

There are lots of checks required for applicants wishing to adopt. This is guided by law and governed by the Government body Ofsted. The checks are to ensure that we place vulnerable children in the safest and stable homes possible. They include, police checks known as DBS, education, probation, social services, we will ask you for several personal references and will need to speak to your previous partners.

If you currently or have previously worked with children, we will need to seek employer references. There are certain criminal convictions that are considered a bar to adoption but we will look into all criminal convictions on an individual basis and take into consideration the circumstances and time of the offence/s. We would ask you to be honest and advise any convictions as early in the process as possible so we can discuss this with you.