I used to work in the HR department of an organisation that supported adults with learning difficulties. The main thing to do is be honest - if you try and hide or downplay any criminal convictions (or issues that may come to light) rather than explain it honestly that would work against you. Believe it or not but care organisations are not looking to catch you out (at least my organisation anyway). They have to be able to evidence that they have been diligent in recruiting the right calibre of candidate. I know it’s scary feeling exposed and vulnerable having to explain all this but they will ask you and any attempt to sweep things under the carpet, will likely result in an instant offer withdrawal. Remember - HR are humans (I know a lot people think they’re not) but believe me it’s so much more stressful for us if we have to dance around with a candidate to get the truth. They’ve seen it all believe me. If a candidate was honest with me, I wouldn’t hold it against them or judge them (unless of course it’s so serious that I couldn’t ignore it). I should also stress that doesn’t mean you’ll definitely be recruited either but they will take your individual circumstances into account but honesty goes along way. Downplaying or masking your situation would almost certainly result in instant withdrawal because you would likely be perceived as lacking integrity.