The Disclosure and Barring Service

Anyone who wants to adopt a child must have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Anyone over the age of 18 years who lives in the household must also have this check.

The DBS searches police records and barred list information and then issues a DBS certificate to the applicant.

Having a previous conviction, caution, reprimand or warning will not necessarily prevent a person from being considered as an adopter but it is helpful to let your Agency know as soon as possible if this is the case.

Why do I need to have references and checks?

References and checks are required because adoption agencies have a responsibility to make sure that adoptive parents do not pose a risk to any children placed with them. Adoption Focus will request references from friends and family of applicants plus relevant information from other sources.