As you can imagine there isn’t a straightforward answer to this question as it all depends on what convictions you have, how long ago they occurred and even what they are and the age you were when you were convicted. What we can tell you is that some foster carers who have been through certain criminal processes, can make excellent foster carers as they present as brilliant role models. Using their own life experiences, they can help guide young people away from the criminal justice system. Having that experience can mean that a young person will be more likely  listen to them and to take their advice. Foster care is a regulated activity and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Under this Act, no conviction or caution is ‘spent’. We will therefore ask you at a very early stage whether you have any past convictions. We really need you to be honest with us, as it is a legal requirement for Unity Foster Care to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This will reveal any past convictions. Frequently, failure to disclose a conviction is a bigger issue than the conviction itself. As foster carers you will be entrusted with the care of another person’s child. Trust is vital to our ongoing relationship and failure to be honest from the start could easily stop your assessment process. All that said, many people think that their past convictions will stop them from fostering and they’re often wrong. There are clearly some offences, specifically offences against children and young people and certain crimes that would stop some people from fostering. Such offences form part of a ‘barred list’ in law, but we’re happy to have a chat with you and discuss whether your criminal history would stop you from being a foster carer. If you want to foster, but think something in your past may prevent you, please do give us a call, we'll be happy to chat through any concerns you may have. Alternatively, fill in the on-line form below and we'll get right back to you.