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282 <h2>
282 Assessment and Approvals of Foster Carers
282 </h2>
284 </div>
287 <div id="scope_box">
288 <h3>
288 NOTE
288 </h3>
289 <p>
289 For temporary approval as foster carers of approved prospective adopters, see
289 <a href="p_place_fost_care.html#tempor">
289 Placements in Foster Care Procedure, Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved Prospective
Adopters
289 </a>
289 .
289 </p>
290 <h3>
290 RELEVANT GUIDANCE
290 </h3>
291 <p>
291 <a href="files/post_approval_proto_fc.doc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
291 Post Approval Induction Protocol for Foster Carers
291 </a>
291 </p>
292 <h3>
292 AMENDMENT
292 </h3>
293 <p>
293 In April 2020, a link was added to Attending an IRM Panel: information sheets. See
293 <a href="#representations_review">
293 Section 9, Representations / Independent Review Procedure
293 </a>
293 .
293 </p>
294 </div>
295 <div id="sections">
297 <h3 id="sections_list">
297 Contents
297 </h3>
298 <ol>
299 <li class="sub_list">
299 <a href="#resp_initial">
299 Responding to Initial Enquiries
299 </a>
299 </li>
300 <li class="sub_list">
300 <a href="#stage1">
300 Assessment – Stage One
300 </a>
300 </li>
301 <li class="sub_list">
301 <a href="#sharing">
301 Sharing Information for the Purposes of Foster Carer Assessments
301 </a>
301 </li>
302 <li class="sub_list">
302 <a href="#checks_ref">
302 Checks and References
302 </a>
303 <ol>
304 <li class="sub_list">
304 <a href="#checks">
304 Checks
304 </a>
304 </li>
305 <li class="sub_list">
305 <a href="#references">
305 References
305 </a>
305 </li>
306 <li class="sub_list">
306 <a href="#health">
306 Health
306 </a>
306 </li>
307 </ol>
308 </li>
309 <li class="sub_list">
309 <a href="#training_course">
309 Training Course
309 </a>
309 </li>
310 <li class="sub_list">
310 <a href="#assessment">
310 Assessment - Stage Two
310 </a>
310 </li>
311 <li class="sub_list">
311 <a href="#panel_recommend">
311 The Panel Recommendation
311 </a>
311 </li>
312 <li class="sub_list">
312 <a href="#after_panel">
312 After the Panel Recommendation
312 </a>
312 </li>
313 <li class="sub_list">
313 <a href="#representations_review">
313 Representations / Independent Review Procedure
313 </a>
313 </li>
314 <li class="sub_list">
314 <a href="#criteria_foster">
314 Criteria for Foster Carers
314 </a>
314 </li>
315 <li class="sub_list">
315 <a href="#after_approval">
315 After the Approval
315 </a>
315 </li>
316 <li class="sub_list">
316 <a href="#register">
316 Register of Foster Carers
316 </a>
316 </li>
317 <li class="sub_list">
317 <a href="#changes">
317 Changes in the Foster Carer's Household or Circumstances
317 </a>
317 </li>
318 </ol>
319 <h3 id="resp_initial">
319 1. Responding to Initial Enquiries
319 </h3>
320 <p>
320 All members of the public who make an initial enquiry by telephone, email or letter in relation to
becoming a foster carer will be referred to the Fostering Service. All enquirers will be treated
as a potential resource and given a prompt response. They will be contacted to gather further
information and for a general discussion about fostering.
320 </p>
321 <p>
321 The Initial Enquiry Form will be completed in relation to all new enquiries. Preliminary basic
information should be obtained - numbers in the household, the availability of a separate bedroom
for foster children, working hours etc. so that inappropriate enquiries can be filtered out. In
addition, a check will be carried out in relation to enquirers and all members of their household
on Children's Services records.
321 </p>
322 <p>
322 Where the enquirers are not previously known, they will be sent an Information Pack and
letter. The Information Pack will be sent within 5 working days of the enquiry. Applications
should be made in writing or online.
322 </p>
323 <p>
323 Where the enquirer or a member of the household is known, the enquiry will be passed to the
manager for a decision on how to proceed. At this early stage, it may be appropriate to advise
these enquirers against pursuing fostering if they clearly do not meet the basic criteria (see
323 <a href="#criteria_foster">
323 Section 10, Criteria for Foster Carers
323 </a>
323 ). The manager's decision will be communicated to the person concerned, with reasons given, and
the decision will be recorded. Where the decision is not to proceed the referral will be closed.
Where the decision is to proceed, the enquirer will be sent an Information Pack and the same
procedure will be followed as for all other enquirers.
323 </p>
324 <p>
324 If there is no response within 2 weeks, the enquirer will be sent a follow up letter.
324 </p>
325 <p>
325 When a response is received, the records will be updated by the administrative staff and the
manager will be informed.
325 </p>
326 <h3 id="stage1">
326 2. Assessment – Stage One
326 </h3>
327 <p>
327 Stage 1 of the assessment process is intended to provide the decision maker with basic information
about the applicant to enable clearly unsuitable applicants to be sifted out without unnecessary
bureaucracy or expenditure of time and resource by the fostering service or the applicant. More
detailed information is collected in
327 <a href="#assessment">
327 Section 6, Assessment - Stage Two
327 </a>
327 .
327 </p>
328 <p>
328 Where a person applies to become a foster carer and it is decided to assess their suitability to
become a foster carer, the following information must be obtained as soon as reasonably
practicable relating to the applicant and other members of their household and family:
328 </p>
329 <ul>
330 <li>
330 Full name, address and date of birth;
330 </li>
331 <li>
331 Details of health (supported by a medical report);
331 </li>
332 <li>
332 Particulars of any other adult members of the household;
332 </li>
333 <li>
333 Particulars of the children in the family, whether or not members of the household, and any
other children in the household;
333 </li>
334 <li>
334 Particulars of their accommodation;
334 </li>
335 <li>
335 The outcome of any request or application made by them or any other member of their household to
foster or adopt children, or for registration as an early years provider or later years provider
under Part 3 of the Childcare Act 2006), including particulars of any previous approval or
refusal of approval relating to them or to any other member of the household;
335 </li>
336 <li>
336 If the applicant has, in the preceding twelve months, been a foster parent approved by another
fostering service provider, the name and address of that fostering service provider;
336 </li>
337 <li>
337 Names and addresses of two persons who will provide personal references;
337 </li>
338 <li>
338 In relation to the applicant and any other member of the applicant 's household who is aged 18
or over, an enhanced criminal record certificate;
338 </li>
339 <li>
339 Details of current, and any previous, marriage, civil partnership or similar relationship;
339 </li>
340 <li>
340 The views of, the local authority in whose area the applicant lives, if different;
340 </li>
341 <li>
341 Where the applicant has previously been, or is currently, approved as a foster carer by another
fostering service provider, or as a prospective adopter by an adoption agency, and consents,
access may be requested to the relevant records compiled by that other fostering service
provider/adoption agency in relation to the applicant. That service/agency must provide access
within 15 working days of a request being received, as per the fostering network protocols.
341 </li>
342 </ul>
343 <p>
343 Records compiled by another fostering service, or an adoption agency, can be used to inform the
new assessment of the applicant's suitability to foster. For instance, if previous partners have
been interviewed in the past to verify facts, and the current assessing social worker is satisfied
with the records in respect of these interviews, it should not be necessary to repeat the
interviews if no further information is required. The assessing social worker should, however,
satisfy themselves as to the quality and continuing relevance of the information before using it
to inform the current assessment.
343 </p>
344 <p>
344 Where, having regard to any information obtained, it is decided (by the Agency Decision Maker)
that the applicant is not suitable to become a foster carer, the applicant must be notified in
writing with reasons. This notification may be given whether or not all of this information has
been obtained. Such a notification may not be given more than 10 working days after all the
information has been obtained. The applicant has no right to make representations about the
decision or to have their case reviewed under the Independent Review Mechanism. However, the
applicant must be informed that they can complain via the fostering service's complaints process
if they are unhappy with the way in which their case has been handled. The complaints process
should address whether or not the applicant's case has been handled in a reasonable way, rather
than the question of the applicant's suitability to foster.
344 </p>
345 <p>
345 Where all the specified information has been obtained and notification has not been given within
10 working days that the applicant is not suitable, then the application must proceed to
345 <a href="#assessment">
345 Section 6, Assessment - Stage Two
345 </a>
345 .
345 </p>
346 <p>
346 Note that Stages 1 and 2 of the assessment process can be carried out concurrently, but the Stage
1 information must be sought as soon as possible, and the decision about whether an applicant has
successfully completed Stage 1 must be made within 10 working days of all the information required
in that Stage being received.
346 </p>
347 <p>
347 On receipt of the completed application form, consent to medical checks and authorisations for the
statutory checks/references, the administrative staff will input the date of the application and
details of the household members on the electronic records.
347 </p>
348 The Fostering Panel must make its recommendation on the application within eight months of the
applicant first applying to be assessed.
349 <p>
349 The manager will book the applicants on to the Foster Carers Preparation/Training Course - see
349 <a href="#training_course">
349 Section 5, Training Course
349 </a>
349 .
349 </p>
350 <h3 id="sharing">
350 3. Sharing Information for the Purposes of Foster Carer Assessments
350 </h3>
351 <h4>
351 3.1 Information Sharing
352 </h4>
353 <p>
353 Sharing information about a person that is held in their existing foster carer or adopter records
is permitted for the purposes of informing a new assessment of a person's suitability to foster or
adopt. For instance, if previous partners have been interviewed in the past to verify facts, and
the current assessing social worker is satisfied with the records in respect of these interviews,
it should not be necessary to repeat the interviews if no further information is required. The
assessing social worker should, however, satisfy themselves as to the quality and continuing
relevance of the information before using it to inform the current assessment.
353 </p>
354 <p>
354 Information that should be shared, upon request, in order to inform a new assessment of a
person's suitability to foster or adopt includes:
354 </p>
355 <ul>
356 <li>
356 The report of the original assessment of the person's suitability to foster or adopt (if it is
considered by the body requesting the information to be recent enough to be relevant);
356 </li>
357 <li>
357 A copy of the report of the last review of the individual's continuing suitability to foster or
adopt and any other review report considered useful to understanding the person's current
suitability to foster or adopt;
357 </li>
358 <li>
358 Details of any concerns about standards of practice and what if anything is being done/has been
done to address them;
358 </li>
359 <li>
359 Details of allegations made against the foster carer/adopter or their household members; and
359 </li>
360 <li>
360 Any other information considered to be relevant to the assessment of the person's suitability to
foster/adopt.
360 </li>
361 </ul>
362 <h4>
362 3.2 Consent
363 </h4>
364 <p>
364 Information should only be shared with the informed, explicit consent of all parties referred to
in the information, including young people where they have sufficient understanding to consent to
the sharing of their information (if they do not have sufficient understanding, the consent of a
person with Parental Responsibility would need to be obtained). This means that the person giving
consent needs to understand why their information is to be shared, what will be shared, who will
see their information, the purpose to which it will be put and the implications of sharing that
information.
364 </p>
365 <p>
365 If consent is refused, the current fostering service or adoption agency should consider whether
there is any information in the records that is a cause for concern. Any information about an
applicant's conduct or suitability to foster/adopt that has caused concern should be shared even
if the individual has refused consent. If there are no such concerns, and the individual has
refused consent, information should not be shared. This may require documents to be redacted to
remove information relating to individuals who have refused consent.
365 </p>
366 <p>
366 Requests for access to information should be accompanied by the written consent of the applicant
to the sharing of their information.
366 </p>
367 <h4>
367 3.3 Timescales
368 </h4>
369 <p>
369 The receiving service should acknowledged the request within two working days, seek consent from
all others referred to in the information within five working days and the information, redacted
where necessary, should be provided within 15 working days.
369 </p>
370 <h3 id="checks_ref">
370 4. Checks and References
370 </h3>
371 <h4 id="checks">
371 4.1 Checks
371 </h4>
372 <p>
372 The administrative staff will arrange for the following checks to be made on all members of the
household aged 18 and over: Disclosure and Barring Service, Probation, Health Trust, Education,
Children's Services (including the List of Children with a Child Protection Plan), the NSPCC, and
whether the applicant's have a right to work in the UK. Where the applicants live or have lived
outside the local authority area, the checks must be made with the local authority and health
trust where the applicants live/have lived. These checks should be recorded including the date
when the checks were made.
373 </p>
374 <p>
374 Where the applicant or any member of the household has been known to Children's Services,
information should be obtained from the relevant social worker.
374 </p>
375 <p>
375 Where applicants have recently moved to the UK (within the last 10 years), checks may also be made
through
375 <a href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_cont/contacts/CFAB.html" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
375 Protecting Children and Uniting Families Across Borders
375 </a>
375 (formerly known as International Social Services) and/or the relevant Consulate on all members of
the household aged 10 and over.
375 </p>
376 <p>
376 In addition, where the applicant has school age children, the relevant school(s) may be contacted,
with the permission of the applicant, for information regarding the applicant's ability to promote
the child's education.
376 </p>
377 <p>
377 On receipt of the statutory checks, the administrative staff will update the electronic records.
377 </p>
378 <p>
378 Where the checks reveal that the applicant or a member of the household is a Disqualified Person
(Foster Carer), see
378 <a href="p_pers_disq.html">
378 Persons Disqualified from Fostering Procedure
378 </a>
378 .
378 </p>
379 <p>
379 Where the information relates to an offence, which does not automatically disqualify the
applicant, for example because the applicant is seeking approval in relation to a specific child
only, the manager must consider whether the application should still proceed. Such convictions
will not necessarily preclude an application, but this will depend on the seriousness of the
offence and how long ago it was committed. In a case where the conviction would usually disqualify
an applicant, the case should be referred to the Fostering Panel and the Agency Decision Maker
(Fostering) for a preliminary decision - see
379 <a href="p_pers_disq.html">
379 Persons Disqualified from Fostering Procedure
379 </a>
379 . In any other case where there is doubt, an early referral should be made to the Fostering Panel
and/or
379 <a href="files/sod_decision_making.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
379 Agency Decision Maker (Fostering)
379 </a>
379 .
379 </p>
380 <p>
380 Information relevant to the application that has been obtained from the Disclosure and Barring
Service may only be retained on the applicant's file for a limited period and should be destroyed
when a decision is made on the application. The manager should note on the file that the
Disclosure and Barring Service information has been destroyed and that the information led to a
particular view, without citing the information itself.
380 </p>
381 <h4 id="references">
381 4.2 References
381 </h4>
382 <p>
382 Where the applicant has been a foster carer within the preceding 12 months and was approved as
such by another fostering service provider, a reference must be requested from that other
fostering service provider.
382 </p>
383 <p>
383 There is no requirement to also interview personal referees (see below). However, additional
verbal and/or written references may be sought from personal referees. If the previous fostering
service, for whatever reason, does not provide a reference, interviews with two personal referees
must be conducted.
383 </p>
384 Otherwise, each applicant will be asked to provide the names of two personal referees, who are
adults, have known the applicant for at least five years and are not related to the applicant, and
two other referees who may be family members or personal friends. All referees should be people who
know the applicants well in a personal capacity.
385 <p>
385 Where there is a joint application, referees should know both applicants, or additional referees
will be required.
385 </p>
386 <p>
386 A written reference must be obtained from each applicant's current employer regardless of the
applicant's occupation. This may be one of the four references provided. In addition, where the
applicant has frequently changed jobs, written references should also be obtained from past
employers.
386 </p>
387 <p>
387 Where the prospective applicant has made a previous application to foster or adopt, the relevant
agency must be asked to confirm in writing the outcome of the application and provide a written
reference.
387 </p>
388 <p>
388 The administrative staff will send requests for written references to each referee.
388 </p>
389 <p>
389 On receipt of the references, the administrative staff will update the electronic records.
389 </p>
390 <h4 id="health">
390 4.3 Health
390 </h4>
391 <p>
391 The applicants will be provided with the relevant medical form to fill in with their details and
send to their GP with a covering letter requesting that the GP complete the Form and send it to
the manager. On receipt the manager will pass the information to the Medical Adviser for comment.
391 </p>
392 <p>
392 Where the medical information suggests that the applicant may not be suitable for health reasons,
this should be discussed in detail with the applicant(s) and withdrawal may be advisable at this
stage. Additional advice may be sought from the Medical Adviser or the Medical Adviser may raise
questions with the GP where this is appropriate. It may be necessary for reports from other health
professionals also to be obtained and presented to the Medical Adviser and the Fostering Panel.
392 </p>
393 <h3 id="training_course">
393 5. Training Course
393 </h3>
394 <p>
394 The Foster Carers preparation/Training Course will cover in detail all aspects of the fostering
task, including the need for approved foster carers to notify the manager of any changes in their
home circumstances, for example any new relationships they have where they wish their new partners
to become a member of the household - see
394 <a href="#changes">
394 Section 13, Changes in the Foster Carer's Household or Circumstances
394 </a>
394 for the procedure to be followed where such changes occur.
394 </p>
395 <p>
395 Applicants will be booked on the course once their completed application forms are received. All
prospective foster carers will be required to attend this training, which is an integral part of
the assessment process.
395 </p>
396 <p>
396 The objectives of the course are:
396 </p>
397 <ul>
398 <li>
398 To raise awareness and understanding of the key issues which need to be addressed by all foster
carers;
398 </li>
399 <li>
399 To assist applicants to consider more thoroughly the implications of fostering;
399 </li>
400 <li>
400 To assist applicants to determine the type of resource they can offer to the children needing
foster placements.
400 </li>
401 </ul>
402 <p>
402 Those facilitating the course will provide written feedback on issues relating to the applicants
for the assessing social worker which must be used in his or her assessment. Any issues of concern
should be referred to the manager.
402 </p>
403 <p>
403 Where issues emerge during the training as a result of which the manager decides that it is not
appropriate to proceed with the application, the applicants should be visited by a social worker
and notified in writing of the decision, with reasons. Advice should be given of any steps they
may take in order to meet the criteria or of how they might pursue their interest elsewhere, if
appropriate.
403 </p>
404 <p>
404 Where the applicant disagrees with the decision and/or is not willing to withdraw, a brief report
on the application should be presented to the Fostering Panel and the procedure to be followed
should be the same as if the report was a full report on the applicants (see
404 <a href="#panel_recommend">
404 Section 7, The Panel Recommendation
404 </a>
404 to
404 <a href="#representations_review">
404 Section 9, Representations / Independent Review Procedure
404 </a>
404 ).
404 </p>
405 <h3 id="assessment">
405 6. Assessment - Stage Two
405 </h3>
406 <p>
406 Where the Assessment – Stage One information has been obtained, and no notification has been given
within 10 working days that the applicant is not suitable to be a foster carer, the following must
be undertaken:
406 </p>
407 <ul>
408 <li>
408 Obtain the following information relating to the applicant and other members of the household,
together with any other relevant information:
409 <ul>
410 <li>
410 Details of personality;
410 </li>
411 <li>
411 Religious persuasion, and capacity to care for a child from any particular religious
persuasion;
411 </li>
412 <li>
412 Racial origin, cultural and linguistic background and capacity to care for a child from any
particular racial origin or cultural or linguistic background;
412 </li>
413 <li>
413 Past and present employment or occupation, standard of living, leisure activities and
interests;
413 </li>
414 <li>
414 Previous experience (if any) of caring for their own and other children;
414 </li>
415 <li>
415 Skills, competence and potential relevant to their capacity to care effectively for a child
placed with them.
415 </li>
416 </ul>
417 </li>
418 <li>
418 Consider whether the applicant is suitable to be a foster parent and whether the applicant 's
household is suitable for any child;
418 </li>
419 <li>
419 Prepare a written report on the applicant which includes the following matters:
420 <ul>
421 <li>
421 The information required to be obtained, as set out above;
421 </li>
422 <li>
422 Any other relevant information;
422 </li>
423 <li>
423 An assessment of the applicant's suitability to be a foster parent;
423 </li>
424 <li>
424 Proposals about any terms of approval.
424 </li>
425 </ul>
426 </li>
427 </ul>
428 <p>
428 (There are no specific regulatory requirements about the way in which assessment information must
be collected or presented to panel.)
428 </p>
429 <p>
429 Where, having regard to the information obtained during Stage 2, it is decided that the
applicant is unlikely to be considered suitable to become a foster parent, notwithstanding that
not all the Stage 2 information has yet been obtained, a Brief Report may be prepared and
submitted to the fostering panel in the same way as for a full assessment report. (There is no
prescribed length or format for a brief report.)
429 </p>
430 <p>
430 The assessing social worker will:
430 </p>
431 <ul>
432 <li>
432 Familiarise him or herself with the application form;
432 </li>
433 <li>
433 Contact the applicant(s) and arrange a visit;
433 </li>
434 <li>
434 Draw up a written agreement setting out the dates for the assessment visits and the date for the
presentation to the Fostering Panel;
434 </li>
435 <li>
435 Interview couples individually and together and ensure the children of the applicant or other
significant members of the family/household are seen alone;
435 </li>
436 <li>
436 Contact ex partners (see below);
436 </li>
437 <li>
437 Inform the applicant(s) of any revised timescales if there are delays.
437 </li>
438 </ul>
439 <p>
439 The assessing social worker will record all appropriate factual information and address issues
including the applicants' understanding of the following areas:
439 </p>
440 <ul>
441 <li>
441 Raising children;
441 </li>
442 <li>
442 Caring for children born to someone else;
442 </li>
443 <li>
443 Contact between children and their families;
443 </li>
444 <li>
444 Helping children to make sense of their past;
444 </li>
445 <li>
445 Sexual boundaries and attitudes;
445 </li>
446 <li>
446 Awareness of sexual and other forms of abuse;
446 </li>
447 <li>
447 Health and health promotion;
447 </li>
448 <li>
448 Promotion of education;
448 </li>
449 <li>
449 Approaches to discipline;
449 </li>
450 <li>
450 Awareness of how to promote secure attachments between children and appropriate adults;
450 </li>
451 <li>
451 Religion;
451 </li>
452 <li>
452 Standards of living and lifestyles;
452 </li>
453 <li>
453 Racial, cultural and linguistic issues;
453 </li>
454 <li>
454 Experiences of disability and attitudes to disability;
454 </li>
455 <li>
455 Awareness of equal opportunities;
455 </li>
456 <li>
456 Understanding and dealing with young people's behaviour including encouraging children to take
responsibility for their behaviour and helping them to learn how to resolve conflict.
456 </li>
457 </ul>
458 <p>
458 The list is not exhaustive - other issues relevant to the individual applicant and his or her
family may need to be addressed. The skills and personal qualities that need to be evidenced will
be different according to the type of fostering the applicants want to do, e.g. babies and
toddlers, short term or permanent.
458 </p>
459 <p>
459 The assessing social worker may contact the previous partners of the applicants (taking care not
to disclose confidential personal information about the applicant). Where there were any children
of the relationship or where children were cared for jointly, the social worker will arrange to
interview them face-to-face wherever practicable. All adult children of the applicant(s) living
away from home may also be contacted.
459 </p>
460 <p>
460 Applicants will be encouraged to be actively involved in contributing towards the assessment, and
supported to provide their own written report/portfolio for Panel to evidence their capabilities
and to support their application.
460 </p>
461 <p>
461 The foster home will also be thoroughly checked to ensure it provides appropriate and safe
accommodation for the child, as well as safe transport. Each child over 3 has their own bedroom
or, where this is not possible, the sharing of the bedroom has been agreed by the placing
authority. A risk assessment must be conducted in regard to pets.
461 </p>
462 <p>
462 The applicant must be notified that the case is to be referred to the fostering panel, be given a
copy of the report and be invited to send any observations in writing within 10 working days
beginning with the date on which the notification is sent.
462 </p>
463 <p>
463 At the end of the 10 working days, (or when the applicant's observations are received, whichever
is sooner), the report, the applicant's observations on that report, if any, and any other
relevant information obtained, must be sent to the fostering panel.
463 </p>
464 <h3 id="panel_recommend">
464 7. The Panel Recommendation
464 </h3>
465 <p>
465 The assessing social worker will attend the Panel meeting, together with the applicants if they so
wish. The decision to attend rests with the applicants and a wish not to attend will not prejudice
consideration of their application.
465 </p>
466 <p>
466 Applicants who decide they wish to attend should be fully prepared as to the procedure prior to
their attendance.
466 </p>
467 <p>
467 The Panel will consider the reports together with all the supporting documentation, and make a
recommendation to the
467 <a href="files/sod_decision_making.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
467 Agency Decision Maker (Fostering)
467 </a>
467 regarding the suitability of the applicant for fostering.
467 </p>
468 <p>
468 The recommendation, with reasons, will be recorded in writing and, where approval is recommended,
the category of fostering, any limitations of the approval to named children (for example in the
case of a Family and Friends Foster Carer) or conditions as to the age range or number of children
to be placed in the foster home will also be specified.
468 </p>
469 <p>
469 Where the applicant does not attend the Panel meeting, the social worker undertaking the
assessment will advise the applicant of the Panel recommendation within 24 hours of the Panel
meeting. This will be verbally, by telephone or, where appropriate, a home visit.
469 </p>
470 <h3 id="after_panel">
470 8. After the Panel Recommendation
470 </h3>
471 <p>
471 The
471 <a href="files/sod_decision_making.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
471 Agency Decision Maker (Fostering)
471 </a>
471 will make a decision as to the suitability of the applicant, based on the reports presented to the
Fostering Panel and the minutes detailing the Panel's recommendation. Where the decision is to
approve the applicants as foster carers, the Agency Decision Maker will specify the terms of the
approval i.e. the number and age range of children to be fostered, the type of placement and any
specific inclusions/exclusions. Applicants can be approved for more than one placement category.
471 </p>
472 <p>
472 Where a Brief Report has been submitted to the fostering panel, the Agency Decision Maker will,
taking into account the fostering panel's recommendation, make a determination about whether to
terminate the assessment or whether the full assessment should be completed.
472 </p>
473 <p>
473 The decision must be made within 10 working days of the receipt of the panel's recommendation and
final set of panel minutes and must be recorded, together with reasons.
473 </p>
474 <p>
474 The manager will arrange for the applicants to be given verbal notification of the decision within
24 hours and written notice of the decision, with reasons, signed by the Agency Decision Maker,
within 5 working days of the decision.
474 </p>
475 <p>
475 If the decision is to refuse approval, the assessing social worker and manager will assess the
need for further counselling and arrange any necessary follow-up action.
475 </p>
476 <p>
476 Upon approval, foster carers should be issued with an agreed form of identification to enable
their role as a foster carer to be verified.
476 </p>
477 <h3 id="representations_review">
477 9. Representations / Independent Review Procedure
477 </h3>
478 <p>
478 If, at Stage 2 of the assessment process, the Agency Decision Maker gives a Qualifying
Determination that he/she proposed not to approve the applicants as foster carers, the applicant
will be advised that if he or she wishes to challenge the decision, applicants should be advised
they have a right to submit representations within 28 days of the date of the written notice of
the decision to the Agency Decision Maker. In addition, as an alternative, they may exercise the
right to apply to the Secretary of State to request a review of the decision by an Independent
Review Panel under the Independent Review Mechanism. Any such application must be made in writing
within 28 days of the decision and supported by reasons.
478 </p>
479 <p>
479 The foster carer will not have the right to request a review by an Independent Review Panel if he
or she is regarded as disqualified as a result of a conviction or caution for a specified offence
– see
479 <a href="p_pers_disq.html">
479 Persons Disqualified from Fostering Procedure
479 </a>
479 .
480 </p>
481 <p>
481 Where it is decided at Stage 1 of the assessment process that the applicant is not suitable to
become a foster carer, there is no right to have the case reviewed under the Independent Review
Mechanism.
481 </p>
482 If no written representations or notification of a request for a review are received within this
period, the Agency Decision Maker will decide whether or not to approve the applicant as a foster
carer (following a full assessment) or continue the assessment (following a Brief Report).
483 <p>
483 If written representations are received within the period, the Panel Adviser will arrange for the
reports and other documentation to be reconsidered by the Fostering Panel, taking into account the
written representations, and make a new recommendation to the
483 <a href="files/sod_decision_making.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
483 Agency Decision Maker (Fostering)
483 </a>
483 .
483 </p>
484 <p>
484 The Panel Administrator will advise the applicant within 7 days of the date of the Panel meeting
when they can attend and their written representations will be considered.
484 </p>
485 <p>
485 In these circumstances, applicants who wish to attend the meeting of the Fostering Panel can
arrange for a friend or supporter to accompany them.
485 </p>
486 <p>
486 After considering the representations, the Panel will make a recommendation, which the Agency
Decision Maker (Fostering) will consider before a final decision is made.
486 </p>
487 <p>
487 If the decision remains not to approve the application, the manager will arrange for the
applicants to be informed verbally within 2 working days. Written notice of the final decision,
together with reasons, must be sent to the applicant by the Panel Adviser within 7 working days of
the Panel meeting. Information about the Complaints Procedure must also be sent. A copy of the
report to the Panel, the Panel's recommendation and the decision, with reasons, must be retained
on the applicant's case file.
487 </p>
488 <p>
488 If the applicant decides to refer the matter to an Independent Review, the relevant Panel reports,
any new information obtained since the Panel meeting, a record of the decision made and reasons, a
copy of the written notification of the decision and a copy of the Panel minute, if different,
will be sent to the Independent Review within 10 working days of their written request (see also:
488 <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/attending-an-irm-panel-information-sheets"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
488 Attending an IRM panel: information sheets, (GOV.UK)
488 </a>
488 ).
488 </p>
489 <p>
489 The procedure for the Independent Review is carried out by Coram Children's Legal Centre on behalf
of the Department for Education; the applicant and two representatives of the fostering agency
will be invited to attend the Independent Review.
489 </p>
490 <p>
490 After considering the representations, the Independent Review may make a recommendation, which the
Agency Decision Maker will consider before a final decision is made.
490 </p>
491 <p>
491 Written notice of the final decision, together with reasons, must be sent to the applicant within
7 working days of the receipt of the Independent Review recommendation.
491 </p>
492 <p>
492 Where the decision is to approve the application, the procedure set out in
492 <a href="#after_approval">
492 Section 11, After Approval
492 </a>
492 will be followed.
492 </p>
493 <h3 id="criteria_foster">
493 10. Criteria for Foster Carers
493 </h3>
494 <h4>
494 10.1 Individual and Joint
494 </h4>
495 <p>
495 Applications will be considered from married couples, civil partners, unmarried couples or single
people.
495 </p>
496 <h4>
496 10.2 Religion
496 </h4>
497 <p>
497 Applications will be considered from people of any or no religious persuasion.
497 </p>
498 <h4>
498 10.3 Ethnicity
498 </h4>
499 <p>
499 Applications will be considered from people of any race or culture.
499 </p>
500 <h4>
500 10.4 Age
500 </h4>
501 <p>
501 The minimum age for foster carers is eighteen years, however the service will not usually consider
those under the age of twenty-one. There is no specific upper age limit.
501 </p>
502 <h4>
502 10.5 Gender
502 </h4>
503 <p>
503 Applications will be considered from people of either sex and from same sex couples.
503 </p>
504 <h4>
504 10.6 Sexual Orientation
504 </h4>
505 <p>
505 Applications will be considered from people of any sexual orientation.
505 </p>
506 <h4>
506 10.7 Income and Work Commitment
506 </h4>
507 <p>
507 Applicants may be in work or not.
507 </p>
508 <h4>
508 10.8 Health
508 </h4>
509 <p>
509 Applicants will be required to have a full medical and undergo any further tests/checks that may
be required by the Fostering Panel's Medical Adviser. The Medical Adviser will advise on the
applicants' ability, from a health point of view, to meet the needs of a child who is fostered.
Any comments or advice given by the Medical Adviser must be taken seriously by the applicants and
will be addressed during the assessment process.
509 </p>
510 <p>
510 Applicants are expected to positively promote a healthy life-style which will enable a child to
reach his or her full potential. This would encompass attention to nutrition, exercise, routine
and hygiene.
510 </p>
511 <p>
511 It is expected that foster carers will comply with nationally recommended alcohol consumption
levels and that children's needs and safety will be met at all times.
511 </p>
512 <h4>
512 10.9 Criminal Convictions
513 </h4>
514 <p>
514 A person who is seeking approval as a foster carer will not be considered if s/he or any adult
member of the household is within the category of Disqualified Persons (Foster Carer) unless the
application is to foster a child who is already living with the applicant(s) and at least one of
the applicants is a relative of the child, in which case the caution/conviction will not
automatically preclude the application but will be taken into account when assessing the
suitability of the applicant - see
514 <a href="p_pers_disq.html">
514 Persons Disqualified from Fostering Procedure
514 </a>
514 .
514 </p>
515 <p>
515 Other convictions will not necessarily preclude an application, but this will depend on the
seriousness of the offence and how long ago it was committed. All such cases will be referred to
the Fostering Service Manager who may also consult the Agency Decision Maker.
515 </p>
516 <h4>
516 10.10 Accommodation
516 </h4>
517 <p>
517 Applicants may own their own home or live in rented accommodation.
517 </p>
518 <p>
518 They will need living and sleeping accommodation appropriate to the number and ages of the
children they are seeking to foster. They must be able to offer separate bedrooms for each foster
child. Only in exceptional circumstances would sharing bedrooms be allowed and this would NEVER be
with sons or daughters of the foster carer.
518 </p>
519 <p>
519 It is important that the home environment is child-friendly, welcoming to children, safe and meets
reasonable levels of hygiene.
519 </p>
520 <p>
520 All applicants will have a safety check on their home undertaken by a trained safety assessor.
This will include the outdoor space, animals (including the sleeping and toileting arrangements
for any pet) and the holding of any firearms.
520 </p>
521 <h4>
521 10.11 Child Care Experience
521 </h4>
522 <p>
522 It is important that the applicant who is going to be the main carer has some experience of
'hands-on' care of children of the age group in which the applicants are interested.
522 </p>
523 <h4>
523 10.12 Family Contact
523 </h4>
524 <p>
524 All applicants must be prepared to facilitate contact between any foster child and his or her
parents and significant family members.
524 </p>
525 <h3 id="after_approval">
525 11. After the Approval
525 </h3>
526 <p>
526 Once approved, the administrative staff will enter the foster carers' approval details, including
their first review date, on the Fostering Register database (see
526 <a href="#register">
526 Section 12, Register of Foster Carers
526 </a>
526 ) and update the electronic records. They will also send notice of the outcome to all agencies
consulted during the assessment and approval process.
526 </p>
527 <p>
527 The foster carer will be allocated a supervising social worker, preferably the one who has
undertaken their assessment - see
527 <a href="p_sup_fos_carer.html">
527 Supervision and Support of Foster Carers Procedure
527 </a>
527 . If the social worker does not know the new carer, he or she will read the CoramBAAF Form F and
the supporting documentation presented to the Fostering Panel including the references prior to
introducing him or herself to the carers and arranging to meet the carers, their family and
members of their support network as appropriate.
527 </p>
528 <p>
528 The supervising social worker will visit the foster carers within one week of their approval and
request the foster carer to sign a Foster Care Agreement between the local authority and the
foster carer, which contains the information the foster carer needs to carry out his or her
functions as a foster carer effectively, ensuring that the foster carer understands its contents.
528 </p>
529 <p>
529 The foster carer will be given two copies for signature, and will retain one signed copy. The
other will be kept on the foster carer's file, together with the report and supporting documents
presented to the Fostering Panel, a copy of the Panel's recommendation and a copy of the approval
decision.
529 </p>
530 <p>
530 The Foster Care Agreement will contain the following information:
530 </p>
531 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
532 <li>
532 The terms of the foster carer's approval;
532 </li>
533 <li>
533 The support and training to be provided to the foster carer;
533 </li>
534 <li>
534 The procedure for the review of the foster carer's approval;
534 </li>
535 <li>
535 The procedure for placements of children;
535 </li>
536 <li>
536 The procedure for making representations and complaints;
536 </li>
537 <li>
537 The requirement to inform the fostering service of any change of circumstance, address or in the
household composition, or of any registration as a childminder or application to adopt or of any
offence;
537 </li>
538 <li>
538 The requirements in relation to confidentiality and internet usage;
538 </li>
539 <li>
539 The procedures for behaviour management and unauthorised absences of children placed with the
foster carer including the ban on corporal punishment;
539 </li>
540 <li>
540 The procedures for informing the supervising social worker of the child's progress and any
significant events relating to the child;
540 </li>
541 <li>
541 The need to give 28 days' notice in writing of they wish to cease fostering;
541 </li>
542 <li>
542 The need to allow access to the Regulatory Authority.
542 </li>
543 </ol>
544 <p>
544 New foster carers will also be given their personal copy of the Foster Carer's Hand-Book, which
contains information about fostering in the local authority and covers policies, procedures,
guidance, legal information and insurance details. Information about local foster carer support
groups will also be provided.
544 </p>
545 <p>
545 The foster carer(s) must sign confirmation of receipt. The signed and dated confirmation of
receipt will be placed on their file.
545 </p>
546 <p>
546 Foster carers will be assisted by their supervising social worker to produce a Safe Caring Policy
and Fire Plan.
546 </p>
547 <p>
547 The supervising social worker will continue to provide support and supervision to the foster carer
up to, during and after all placements - see
547 <a href="p_sup_fos_carer.html">
547 Supervision and Support of Foster Carers Procedure
547 </a>
547 and ensure that they understand the need to undertake Disclosure and Barring Service and other
checks and assessments on any new member of the household - see
547 <a href="#changes">
547 Section 13, Changes in the Foster Carer's Household or Circumstances
547 </a>
547 - and the need to repeat Disclosure and Barring Service checks on themselves every three years
(unless they have subscribed to the Disclosure and Barring Service Update Service) - see
547 <a href="p_review_fos_care.html">
547 Review and Termination of Approval of Foster Carers Procedure
547 </a>
547 .
547 </p>
548 <h3 id="register">
548 12. Register of Foster Carers
548 </h3>
549 <p>
549 A register of all approved foster carers will be maintained by the fostering service containing
the following particulars:
549 </p>
550 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
551 <li>
551 The name, address, date of birth, sex and ethnic origin of each foster carer;
551 </li>
552 <li>
552 The date of approval and of each review of the approval;
552 </li>
553 <li>
553 The category and current terms of the approval;
553 </li>
554 <li>
554 The name, address, date of birth of each Connected Person with whom a child is placed under
Regulation 24 of the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 and who
has been granted temporary approval as a foster carer, together with the date and terms of the
temporary approval.
554 </li>
555 </ol>
556 <p>
556 Once approved, the administrative staff will be informed and will enter the foster carers'
approval details, including their first review date, on the Fostering Register database.
556 </p>
557 <h3 id="changes">
557 13. Changes in the Foster Carer's Household or Circumstances
557 </h3>
558 <p>
558 The supervising social worker will ensure that any newly approved foster carer is clear about his
or her responsibility to notify the fostering service before any change in the composition of
their household occurs or where there is any significant change in their circumstances which
affects their fostering, for example any new relationship, pregnancy or bereavement.
558 </p>
559 <p>
559 If the supervising social worker discovers that there has been a change in the foster carer's
household without prior notice, the manager must be informed and an immediate review of the foster
carer's approval must be convened - see
559 <a href="p_review_fos_care.html">
559 Review and Termination of Approval of Foster Carers Procedure
559 </a>
559 . In these circumstances, a suspension of the foster carer's approval may have to be considered at
the review.
559 </p>
560 <h4>
560 13.1 Foster Carer's Partners
560 </h4>
561 <p>
561 Where the proposed new member of the household is a partner of the foster carer, there will be a
presumption that he or she will have a part to play in caring for any child in the placement and
therefore a full Form F assessment of his or her suitability for this role must be completed
before the partner moves into the foster home. The same procedure for this assessment will be
carried out as for any foster carer applicant and it will be presented to the Fostering Panel and
the
561 <a href="files/sod_decision_making.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
561 Agency Decision Maker (Fostering)
561 </a>
561 in accordance with the preceding paragraphs of this chapter. There will be no presumption that any
such assessment will be approved.
561 </p>
562 <p>
562 Pending the completion of the full assessment, where the foster carer wishes his/her partner to
stay overnight before the full assessment is completed, a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced
check must be carried out, and a risk assessment must also be completed to determine the level of
additional checks required, before agreement to overnight stays can be given. The risk assessment
should take account of, amongst other things, the number and ages of the children in the
placement, their views about the foster carer's partner, the significance and stability of the
relationship (including how long they have known each other) and the foster carer's history of
fostering. Any agreement to overnight stays must be endorsed by the Fostering Service Manager.
562 </p>
563 <h4>
563 13.2 Other members of the household
563 </h4>
564 <p>
564 Where a foster carer proposes that any person will join the household, notice must be given before
this occurs in sufficient time to enable a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check to be
carried out on the relevant person and an assessment at the appropriate level to be undertaken
before the change in household composition occurs. The required detail of the assessment will
depend on the extent to which the new member of the household will undertake a caring role in
relation to any child placed. Where the new member of the household will play a part in caring for
the child in the placement, consideration will be given to the need for a full Form F assessment
as for any new partner of the foster carer. Otherwise, the assessment will be considered at a
Foster Carer Review which should be convened to consider the change in the foster carer's
circumstances - see
564 <a href="p_review_fos_care.html">
564 Review and Termination of Approval of Foster Carers Procedure
564 </a>
564 . This will determine whether any change to the foster carer's terms of approval is required and
if so, a report to the Fostering Panel will be prepared.
564 </p>
565 <p>
565 For Exemptions to the usual limit of three children and Alterations or other Extensions to
Approval, see
565 <a href="p_fost_exemp.html">
565 Exemptions and Extensions/Variations to Foster Care Approval Procedure
565 </a>
565 .
565 </p>
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