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135 <div class="panel-body">
136 <h1>
136 Private Fostering
136 </h1>
141 <div class="well">
142 <p class="bold">
142 SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER
143 </p>
144 This procedure applies to children who are cared for by people other than their parent or
close relative for more than 27 days and who are NOT subject to any order or arrangement that
would place them in the care of the local authority.
144 </div>
151 <div class="section">
151 <h2 id="definition">
151 1. Definition
151 </h2>
152 <p>
152 A privately fostered child is a child under 16 (or 18 if Disabled) who is cared for by an
adult who is not a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, step parent (including civil
partnerships), sister or brother where the child is to be cared for in that person's home
for 28 days or more.
152 </p>
153 <p>
153 A child who is looked after or placed in any residential home, hospital or school (where
they are receiving full-time education) is excluded from the definition. In a private
fostering arrangement, the parent retains parental responsibility.
153 </p>
154 <p>
154 However, Children under 16 who spend more than 2 weeks in residence during holiday time in a
school, become privately fostered children for the purposes of the legislation during that
holiday period. See also
154 <a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/41/schedule/8" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
154 Schedule 8 (para 9) Children Act 1989
154 </a>
154 .
154 </p>
155 (
155 <span class="bold">
155 Note
155 </span>
155 : the local authority may exempt any person from giving written notice either for a specified
period or indefinitely. This exemption may be revoked in writing at any time).
155 </div>
156 <div class="section1">
156 </div>
162 <div class="section">
162 <h2 id="note_la">
162 2. Notifications to the Local Authority
162 </h2>
163 <p>
163 Where a child is to be placed with private foster carers, the local authority must be
notified in writing at least 6 weeks before an arrangement begins. Where no prior
notification of a placement is given, private foster carers must notify the local authority
of the placement immediately.
163 </p>
164 <p>
164 The person making the notification should be asked to provide the following information:
164 </p>
165 <ol>
166 <li>
166 The name, gender, date and place of birth and address of the child;
166 </li>
167 <li>
167 The racial origin, cultural and linguistic background and religion of the child;
167 </li>
168 <li>
168 The names and address of the person giving the notice and any previous address within the
last 5 years;
168 </li>
169 <li>
169 The name and addresses of the child's parents and any previous addresses within the last 5
years;
169 </li>
170 <li>
170 If different, the name and address of the person from whom the child was or is to be
received;
170 </li>
171 <li>
171 The name and address of the private foster carers and any previous addresses within the
last 5 years;
171 </li>
172 <li>
172 The name and address of any other person who is involved in making the arrangement;
172 </li>
173 <li>
173 The name and address of any siblings of the child who are under 18, and the current
arrangements for their care;
173 </li>
174 <li>
174 The purpose and likely duration of the arrangement;
174 </li>
175 <li>
175 The intended date when the child is to be placed with the private foster carers or the
date when the placement began;
175 </li>
176 </ol>
177 <p>
177 In relation to notifications given by the private foster carer or proposed private foster
carer, the following information should also be obtained:
177 </p>
178 <ul>
179 <li>
179 Any offence of which they or any other member of the household has been convicted;
179 </li>
180 <li>
180 Any disqualification or prohibition (see
180 <a href="#prohib_disq">
180 Section 9, Prohibition and Disqualification
180 </a>
180 ) placed on them or any other member of the household;
180 </li>
181 <li>
181 Any actions taken or orders made in relation to the private foster carer or any child who
is or was a member of the same household.
181 </li>
182 </ul>
183 <p>
183 Written notification must also be made to the local authority by the private foster carer
within 48 hours of any change in circumstances, e.g. a change of address, a change in the
household, a criminal conviction/disqualification or prohibition (see
183 <a href="#prohib_disq">
183 Section 9, Prohibition and Disqualification
183 </a>
183 ) in relation to any person in the household or any intention to foster another child
privately.
183 </p>
184 <p>
184 Where notification is that the private foster carers have moved to live in the area of
another local authority, the social worker must immediately pass to the new authority the
name and address of the private foster carer, the name of the child being privately
fostered, the name and address of the child's parents.
184 </p>
185 <p>
185 Where notification is that the placement has ended, the social worker should ascertain the
name and address of the person now caring for the child and their relationship with the
child.
185 </p>
186 <p>
186 Parents also have a duty to notify the local authority in writing of the ending of the
placement including the name and address of the person into whose care the child has moved.
186 </p>
187 <p>
187 Any agency that becomes aware of a private fostering arrangement must immediately notify the
local authority in writing of the arrangement and must inform the parent and private foster
carer of their intention to do so.
187 </p>
188 </div>
189 <div class="section1">
189 </div>
195 <div class="section">
195 <h2 id="act_rec_not">
195 3. Action to be Taken on Receipt of Notification
195 </h2>
196 <p>
196 When notification or information is received from any source that a child is privately
fostered, this information must be passed to Children's Services office where the privately
fostered child resides.
196 </p>
197 <p>
197 A social worker will be allocated to carry out the following initial tasks within one week
of the notification:
197 </p>
198 <ol>
199 <li>
199 Visit the private foster carers in the home where the child is to live and speak to them
and all members of the household;
199 </li>
200 <li>
200 Visit and speak to the child alone, unless the social worker considers it inappropriate to
do so in which case the reason should be recorded and brought to the attention of the team
manager;
200 </li>
201 <li>
201 Speak to and if possible visit the parents;
201 </li>
202 <li>
202 Ensure that the purpose and likely duration of the private fostering arrangement is
understood by and agreed between the parents and the private foster carers,
202 </li>
203 <li>
203 Ascertain the wishes and feelings of the child about the private fostering arrangement;
203 </li>
204 <li>
204 Check the suitability of the accommodation, the capacity of the private foster carer to
look after the child, the suitability of other members of the private foster carer's
household;
204 </li>
205 <li>
205 Ensure that the parents are involved in planning for the child and explore whether the
child's needs may be more appropriately met by providing services to the child and parent
at home;
205 </li>
206 <li>
206 Encourage the parents to draw up a written agreement (it may be helpful to use a Placement
Information Record as a guide) with the private foster carers as to their respective
expectations and responsibilities in relation to the fostering arrangement including
financial arrangements and the child's contact with their parents and other significant
family members;
206 </li>
207 <li>
207 Where the child has already been placed, ensure that the child's development in all
aspects is satisfactory, that the standard of care being given to the child is appropriate
and that the child's needs arising from their religious persuasion, racial origin and
cultural and linguistic background are being met;
207 </li>
208 <li>
208 Where the child has already been placed, check that the financial matters are in order and
the contact arrangements are working;
208 </li>
209 <li>
209 Notify the relevant health and education agencies of the child's placement or proposed
placement including the health visiting service where appropriate;
209 </li>
210 <li>
210 Ensure that any necessary links are or will be established with other agencies for example
because of the child's disabilities and/or special educational needs;
210 </li>
211 <li>
211 Enter the child and the carer's details onto the electronic database.
211 </li>
212 </ol>
213 </div>
214 <div class="section1">
214 </div>
220 <div class="section">
220 <h2 id="init_vis">
220 4. Initial Visit to Private Foster Carers
220 </h2>
221 <p>
221 During the initial visit, the social worker should:
221 </p>
222 <ol>
223 <li>
223 Explain the assessment process to the private foster carers and provide written
information to them;
223 </li>
224 <li>
224 Obtain the written consent of the private foster carer and all members of the household
over 16 to checks being made with the Disclosure and Barring Service and ask the private
foster carer for the names of 2 personal referees;
224 </li>
225 <li>
225 Establish the private foster carer's child care experience, access to support and views
and intentions regarding behaviour management of the child;
225 </li>
226 <li>
226 Establish the plans for contact between the child and their parents;
226 </li>
227 <li>
227 Establish the private foster carer's understanding of the child's culture, and give advice
in relation to resources and facilities which could assist in meeting the child's racial,
cultural, religious and linguistic needs, including the use of an interpreter if
necessary;
227 </li>
228 <li>
228 Advise the private foster carer of the need for notification to Children's Services in the
event of a change in circumstances and preparation of the child before any further move,
and for continuity of information being passed to the next carer.
228 </li>
229 </ol>
230 <p>
230 Advise the private foster carer in relation to recording the child's development,
particularly incorporating the following matters:
230 </p>
231 <ul>
232 <li>
232 Maintaining the child's medical history;
232 </li>
233 <li>
233 Keeping a file of school reports;
233 </li>
234 <li>
234 Noting dates of contact with the parents and significant others;
234 </li>
235 <li>
235 Maintaining a financial record;
235 </li>
236 <li>
236 Noting dates of contact with Children's Services;
236 </li>
237 <li>
237 Keeping a photograph album.
237 </li>
238 </ul>
239 <p>
239 In the event of a refusal of any person to cooperate with the making of the necessary
checks, the social worker should advise the private foster carers that they cannot be
recommended as suitable and advise the parents of the reason why alternative arrangements
will have to be made for the child.
239 </p>
240 <p>
240 Any action required by the local authority to secure the child's safety should be considered
and legal advice sought as necessary.
240 </p>
241 <p>
241 If the initial visit takes place after the child's placement, the social worker should also:
241 </p>
242 <ol>
243 <li>
243 Ensure that the parents have fully informed the private foster carer of the child's
medical history and any current need for ongoing professional monitoring and medication,
and has handed the child's personal child health records to the private foster carer;
243 </li>
244 <li>
244 Encourage the private foster carers to draw up a written agreement with the child's
parents as to their respective expectations and responsibilities in relation to the
private fostering arrangement including the contact arrangements, finances and expected
duration;
244 </li>
245 <li>
245 Ensure that the child is registered with a GP, dentist and, if necessary, optician local
to the private foster home;
245 </li>
246 <li>
246 Ensure that a school place has been arranged for the child if of school age;
246 </li>
247 <li>
247 Ensure the parent provides the private foster carer with a written general consent to
cover any necessary medical treatment and that a copy of this consent is given to the GP,
dentist, optician and retained on the child's file;
247 </li>
248 <li>
248 Advise the private foster carer to arrange a medical examination of the child with the GP
as soon as practicable after the start of the placement.
248 </li>
249 </ol>
250 <p>
250 After the visit, the social worker should complete a written report of the meeting and pass
a copy to the
250 <a href="pr_desg_man.html#private">
250 Designated Manager (Private Fostering)
250 </a>
250 for information.
250 </p>
251 </div>
252 <div class="section1">
252 </div>
258 <div class="section">
258 <h2 id="asst_fc">
258 5. Assessment of Private Foster Carers
258 </h2>
259 <p>
259 The social worker undertaking the assessment must arrange for checks on the private foster
carer, all members of the household and frequent visitors over 16 to be made with the
Disclosure and Barring Service and Children's Services records (including for the areas of
any previous addresses). The social worker should also seek written references and arrange
to visit the personal referees.
259 </p>
260 <p>
260 The assessment will consider the following:
260 </p>
261 <ul>
262 <li>
262 The suitability of the private foster carer and all members of the household;
262 </li>
263 <li>
263 The suitability of the accommodation.
263 </li>
264 </ul>
265 <p>
265 A report on the assessment should be presented to the Head of Service Child in Need for a
decision to be made. Written notice of the decision must then be sent to the private foster
carer and the parents, including any requirements, exemptions or prohibitions imposed - see
265 <a href="#impose_req">
265 Section 7, Imposing Requirements on Private Foster Carers
265 </a>
265 ,
265 <a href="#limit">
265 Section 8, Limit on Number of Children
265 </a>
265 and
265 <a href="#prohib_disq">
265 Section 9, Prohibition and Disqualification
265 </a>
265 .
265 </p>
266 <p>
266 If, at any stage of the assessment of the private foster carers, information is obtained
which suggests that a child already placed with the private foster carer may be a child in
need, the manager may authorise services under a child in need plan and/or an Assessment to
be carried out alongside the assessment of the private foster carer.
266 </p>
267 <p>
267 In the event of a refusal of any person to cooperate with the making of the necessary
checks, the social worker should advise the private foster carers that they cannot be
recommended as suitable and advise the parents of the reason why alternative arrangements
will have to be made for the child. Any action required by the local authority to secure the
child's safety should be considered and legal advice sought as necessary.
267 </p>
268 <p>
268 If any information comes to light during the course of the private foster carer assessment,
for example as a result of the Disclosure and Barring Service checks, which may preclude the
person from fostering a child, the social worker should prepare a report to the Head of
Service Child in Need. Immediate consideration should also be given to the arrangements for
the child and if necessary child protection procedures should be followed.
268 </p>
269 <p>
269 See
269 <a href="#prohib_disq">
269 Section 9, Prohibition and Disqualification
269 </a>
269 .
269 </p>
270 <p>
270 In the event that the parents decline to make alternative arrangements or where the parents
cannot be found, the social worker should consider whether any action may be required by the
local authority to secure the child's safety under the
270 <a href="https://www.proceduresonline.com/pancheshire/warrington/index.html"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
270 Warrington Safeguarding Partnership Procedures
270 </a>
270 and legal advice should be sought as necessary.
270 </p>
271 </div>
272 <div class="section1">
272 </div>
278 <div class="section">
278 <h2 id="fin_supp">
278 6. Financial Support for Private Foster Carers
278 </h2>
279 <p>
279 Financial support by the local authority to sustain an otherwise satisfactory placement may
be considered and where appropriate, the social worker should seek the approval of the
relevant manager for such assistance to be given.
279 </p>
280 <p>
280 Once the approval in principle has been given, the social worker should arrange for the
private foster carers to complete a financial assessment.
280 </p>
281 <p>
281 Once the completed financial assessment form has been received, it should be sent to the
relevant manager for the calculation to be completed and the level determined in accordance
with the scales agreed from time to time.
281 </p>
282 <p>
282 The relevant manager will confirm the amount of the financial support in writing to the
carers once the financial assessment is complete.
282 </p>
283 <p>
283 The payments should be part of a Child in Need Plan. See
283 <a href="p_cin_plans_rev.html">
283 Child in Need Plans and Reviews Procedure
283 </a>
283 .
283 </p>
284 </div>
285 <div class="section1">
285 </div>
291 <div class="section">
291 <h2 id="impose_req">
291 7. Imposing Requirements on Private Foster Carers
291 </h2>
292 <p>
292 Where appropriate, reports to the Head of Service Child in Need can include recommendations
for requirements to be imposed on the private foster carers, for example to restrict the
approval to an individual child or to limit the number, age or gender of children who may be
cared for privately. Requirements may also relate to the standard of accommodation, health
and safety matters and/or practical matters such as equipment. A requirement may include a
time-scale within which the foster carer must take the necessary action.
292 </p>
293 <p>
293 A requirement may be varied, removed or added at any time.
293 </p>
294 <p>
294 Any requirements imposed must be specified in writing, together with reasons. Written notice
of any requirements imposed, together with the reasons, will be sent to the foster carer and
to the parent by the social worker responsible for the assessment. The foster carer will
also be advised of the right to appeal against the requirement to the Magistrates' Court.
294 </p>
295 </div>
296 <div class="section1">
296 </div>
302 <div class="section">
302 <h2 id="limit">
302 8. Limit on Number of Children
302 </h2>
303 <p>
303 The maximum number of children privately fostered in any one household must not exceed 3
unless there are exceptional circumstances.
303 </p>
304 <p>
304 Any application for exemption from this limit must be made to the Head of Service Child in
Need. The application must contain the following information:
304 </p>
305 <ol>
306 <li>
306 The number, names and ages of the children;
306 </li>
307 <li>
307 The proposed arrangements for the care and accommodation of the children;
307 </li>
308 <li>
308 The intended and likely relationship between the children and the private foster carers;
308 </li>
309 <li>
309 The proposed length of the placement;
309 </li>
310 <li>
310 Whether the welfare of the children in the placement will be safeguarded and promoted.
310 </li>
311 </ol>
312 <p>
312 Exemptions will only be granted in relation to named children and will cease when the named
children leave the placement.
312 </p>
313 <p>
313 Where an exemption is granted this will be confirmed in writing to the private foster
carers.
313 </p>
314 </div>
315 <div class="section1">
315 </div>
321 <div class="section">
321 <h2 id="prohib_disq">
321 9. Prohibition and Disqualification
321 </h2>
322 <p>
322 A decision can be made to prohibit the proposed private foster carer from fostering on the
basis that they are not suitable and/or the premises are unsuitable.
322 </p>
323 <p>
323 The fact that a private Foster Carer is a disqualified person (foster carer) is a good
reason upon which to seek a prohibition.
323 </p>
324 <p>
324 Where the social worker considers that it would be appropriate to approve a private foster
carer despite the fact that they or a person in the household is disqualified, a written
report must be presented to the Head of Service Child in Need for consideration.
324 </p>
325 <p>
325 Where a decision is made to prohibit a private foster carer from caring for a child, reasons
for the decision must be recorded. Written notice of the decision, together with the
reasons, must be sent by hand or recorded delivery post to the private foster carer and to
the parent by the social worker responsible for the assessment. The private foster carer
will also be advised of the right to appeal against the decision to the Magistrates' Court.
325 </p>
326 <p>
326 Discussion should also take place with the parent as to the making of alternative
arrangements for the child.
326 </p>
327 </div>
328 <div class="section1">
328 </div>
334 <div class="section">
334 <h2 id="noncomop">
334 10. Non-compliance with Requirements
334 </h2>
335 <p>
335 Where requirements which have been imposed are not complied with, the social worker must
consider whether support should be provided to ensure compliance and/or consider whether to
report further to the Head of Service Child in Need recommending that the private foster
carer be prohibited from caring for the child, in which case the procedure for prohibitions
as set out above must be followed.
335 </p>
336 </div>
337 <div class="section1">
337 </div>
343 <div class="section">
343 <h2 id="visits_home">
343 11. Visits to the Private Foster Carers Home - Frequency, Purpose and Records
343 </h2>
344 <h3>
344 1. Frequency
344 </h3>
345 <p>
345 Visits by a social worker must be made to the child and the private foster carer at the
foster home within one week of the placement, or the date when notification was received if
later, and then visits will be made every 6 weeks in the first year by a social worker.
345 </p>
346 <p>
346 In subsequent years, visits must be at least 3 monthly.
346 </p>
347 <p>
347 The need to visit more frequently will be decided by the social worker and their manager
depending on the circumstances and the need to visit unannounced and/or to choose times when
all members of the household are likely to be present should also be considered.
347 </p>
348 <p>
348 Additional visits should be arranged at the request of the child or the private foster
carer.
348 </p>
349 <p>
349 The child must be seen alone by the social worker on each visit unless this is not
appropriate having regard to the young age of the child or if the child does not wish to see
the social worker alone. The child's bedroom should be seen on some visits.
349 </p>
350 <h3>
350 2. Purpose
350 </h3>
351 <p>
351 The purpose of and matters to be discussed at the first visit after the child's placement
are set out in
351 <a href="#init_vis">
351 Section 4, Initial Visit to Private Foster Carers
351 </a>
351 .
351 </p>
352 <p>
352 The overall purpose of all visits is to encourage the maintenance and improvement of child
care standards and check that the child's needs are met within the foster placement and in
particular:
352 </p>
353 <ol>
354 <li>
354 To observe the overall standard of care including visiting the child's bedroom;
354 </li>
355 <li>
355 To ensure that the child is developing satisfactorily and that their needs arising from
religious persuasion, racial origin and cultural and linguistic background are being met;
355 </li>
356 <li>
356 To speak to and ascertain the wishes of the child;
356 </li>
357 <li>
357 To review the purpose and likely duration of the placement and ensure that arrangements
with the parents are working.
357 <br />
358 The parent and the private foster carer should be encouraged to plan the ending of the
placement and prepare the child for the change;
358 </li>
359 <li>
359 To check that any requirements imposed are being met and check whether they need to be
changed or cancelled;
359 </li>
360 <li>
360 To ensure that the arrangements for the child's education are satisfactory;
360 </li>
361 <li>
361 To advise or arrange advice for the private foster carer as necessary, for example in
relation to the maintaining of the child's links with their cultural heritage or in
relation to appropriate travel arrangements for the child visiting family abroad;
361 </li>
362 <li>
362 To check that the financial arrangements for the care of the child are working;
362 </li>
363 <li>
363 To ensure that the child remains registered with a GP and dentist and that any necessary
health care has been provided to take account of any special health needs;
363 </li>
364 <li>
364 To ensure that the child has access to services as required as a result of any
disabilities;
364 </li>
365 <li>
365 To enquire as to the contact arrangements for the child with the parents and siblings;
365 </li>
366 <li>
366 To encourage the private foster carer to keep a record of the child's development,
including accidents, illnesses, immunisations, school reports, achievements and any
contact with parents or significant others.
366 </li>
367 </ol>
368 <h3>
368 3. Reports on Visits
368 </h3>
369 <p>
369 A report on every visit must be made by the social worker. The report must state whether the
child was seen and if so, whether the child was seen alone. If the child was not seen, the
reasons must be recorded. The record must comment on the child's welfare and how the
placement is progressing including any views expressed by the private foster carer and the
child. It must also contain a recommendation about the continued suitability of the
fostering arrangement and whether any action should be taken and/or requirements on the
private foster carer.
369 </p>
370 <p>
370 The report must be reviewed by the manager.
370 </p>
371 <h3>
371 4. Unsatisfactory care
371 </h3>
372 <p>
372 Where there are concerns about the child's care, the parents should be advised and
consideration should be given to invoking the Warrington Safeguarding Partnership
Procedures.
372 </p>
373 </div>
374 <div class="section1">
374 </div>
380 <div class="section">
380 <h2 id="revfc">
380 12. Review of Private Foster Carers
380 </h2>
381 <p>
381 The suitability of the private foster carer should be reviewed annually by the social worker
and reported to the Head of Service Child in Need.
381 </p>
382 </div>
383 <div class="section1">
383 </div>
389 <div class="section">
389 <h2 id="lafc_private">
389 13. Local Authority Foster Carers who Privately Foster
389 </h2>
390 <p>
390 Where local authority foster carers notify their intention to privately foster a child, the
above procedure should be followed.
390 </p>
391 <p>
391 In these circumstances, a supervising social worker will normally carry out the assessment.
391 </p>
392 <p>
392 The foster carers should be advised of the differences between their two roles.
392 </p>
393 <p>
393 Consideration will need to be given to the implications for any Child in Care already placed
with the foster carer and contact should be made by the supervising social worker involved
with the social workers for such children.
393 </p>
394 <p>
394 Consideration should also be given to the future placement of any Children in Care
particularly having regard to the usual fostering limit of 3 children.
394 </p>
395 </div>
396 <div class="section1">
396 </div>
402 <div class="section">
402 <h2 id="after_plac">
402 14. After the Private Fostering Arrangement Ends
402 </h2>
403 <p>
403 Parents have a duty to notify the local authority of the ending of the placement including
the name and address of the person into whose care the child has moved.
403 </p>
404 <p>
404 Unless a young person has a disability, private fostering ends at 16. Children's Services
will review the young person's circumstances and future plans as they approach 16. Where a
young person remains with the private foster carers after the age of 16, but requires
continuing support, they should be assisted as a Child In Need. Where the young person moves
to independent living, support can be provided to them up as they will fall within the
definition of Qualifying Young People. (
404 <span class="bold">
404 Note
404 </span>
404 that the
404 <a
href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_
data/file/397649/CA1989_Transitions_guidance.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
404 DfE Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 3: Planning Transition to
Adulthood for Care Leavers
404 </a>
404 acknowledges that some 'Qualifying children' will be as vulnerable and have similar support
needs as those who are Eligible, Relevant or Former Relevant).
404 </p>
405 <p>
405 Support may include advice, befriending and discretionary financial assistance where the
young person has no other means. It will be provided at the request of the young person on
the basis of assessment of need and can continue up to the age of 25 or beyond if the young
person is in higher education, up to the end of the course. Note that in these
circumstances, it is possible also for the local authority to also provide vacation holiday
accommodation.
405 </p>
406 <p>
406 Any request by the young person should be made to the local authority in which they are
resident or where the education and training is being provided.
406 </p>
407 <p>
407 See
407 <a href="p_leaving_care.html">
407 Leaving Care and Transition Procedure
407 </a>
407 .
407 </p>
408 </div>
409 <div class="section1">
409 </div>
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