Changes to your Household / New Partners

It is vital that you keep your Fostering Social Worker updated about any significant changes to your household. This will include friends or family moving in and out as well as significant information about the health and circumstances of members of the household.

This is particularly significant where single foster carers are establishing relationships with new partners. In establishing relationships and introducing partners to your fostered children you are reminded that it is important to maintain stability for fostered children. You are also reminded that fostered children can be particularly vulnerable and that it is important to maintain safer caring principles. 

When a relationship is first established and the new partner becomes a regular visitor to the home, a DBS check will be initiated. Should the relationship progress and a decision be made that the partner would like to move into the fostering household you should formally notify your Fostering Social Worker in writing. Checks and references will then be taken up and the new partner will be assessed to become a Foster Carer alongside you. Partners cannot live in your home with you without being approved as a Foster Carer.