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135 <div class="panel-body">
136 <h1>
136 Assessment and Approvals of Foster Carers
136 </h1>
141 <div class="well">
142 <p class="bold">
142 NOTE
142 </p>
143 <p>
143 For temporary approval as foster carers of approved prospective adopters, see
143 <a href="p_place_fost_care.html#tempor">
143 Placements in Foster Care Procedure, Temporary Approval as Foster Carers of Approved
Prospective Adopters
143 </a>
143 .
144 </p>
145 <span class="bold">
145 This chapter is currently under review.
145 </span>
146 </div>
153 <div class="section">
153 <h2 id="resp_initial">
153 1. Responding to Initial Enquiries
153 </h2>
154 <p>
154 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.
154 </p>
155 <p>
155 The Initial Referral 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.
155 </p>
156 <p>
156 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.
156 </p>
157 <p>
157 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
157 <a href="#criteria_foster">
157 Section 10, Criteria for Foster Carers
157 </a>
157 ). 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.
157 </p>
158 <p>
158 If there is no response within 2 weeks, the enquirer will be sent a follow up letter.
158 </p>
159 <p>
159 When a response is received, the records will be updated by the administrative staff and the
manager will be informed.
159 </p>
160 </div>
161 <div class="section1">
161 </div>
167 <div class="section">
167 <h2 id="stage1">
167 2. Assessment – Stage One
167 </h2>
168 <p>
168 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
168 <a href="#assessment">
168 Section 6, Assessment - Stage Two
168 </a>
168 .
168 </p>
169 <p>
169 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:
169 </p>
170 <ul>
171 <li>
171 Full name, address and date of birth;
171 </li>
172 <li>
172 Details of health (supported by a medical report);
172 </li>
173 <li>
173 Particulars of any other adult members of the household;
173 </li>
174 <li>
174 Particulars of the children in the family, whether or not members of the household, and
any other children in the household;
174 </li>
175 <li>
175 Particulars of their accommodation;
175 </li>
176 <li>
176 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;
176 </li>
177 <li>
177 If the applicant has, in the preceding 12 months, been a foster parent approved by another
fostering service provider, the name and address of that fostering service provider;
177 </li>
178 <li>
178 Names and addresses of two persons who will provide personal references;
178 </li>
179 <li>
179 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;
179 </li>
180 <li>
180 Details of current, and any previous, marriage, civil partnership or similar relationship;
180 </li>
181 <li>
181 The views of, the local authority in whose area the applicant lives, if different;
181 </li>
182 <li>
182 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.
182 </li>
183 </ul>
184 <p>
184 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.
184 </p>
185 <p>
185 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.
185 </p>
186 <p>
186 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
186 <a href="#assessment">
186 Section 6, Assessment - Stage Two
186 </a>
186 .
186 </p>
187 <p>
187 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.
187 </p>
188 <p>
188 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.
188 </p>
189 The Fostering Panel must make its recommendation on the application within 8 months of the
applicant first applying to be assessed.
190 <p>
190 The manager will book the applicants on to the Foster Carers Preparation/Training Course -
see
190 <a href="#training_course">
190 Section 5, Training Course
190 </a>
190 .
190 </p>
191 </div>
192 <div class="section1">
192 </div>
198 <div class="section">
198 <h2 id="sharing">
198 3. Sharing Information for the Purposes of Foster Carer Assessments
198 </h2>
199 <h3>
199 3.1 Information Sharing
199 </h3>
200 <p>
200 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.
200 </p>
201 <p>
201 Information that should be shared, upon request, in order to inform a new assessment of a
person's suitability to foster or adopt includes:
201 </p>
202 <ul>
203 <li>
203 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);
203 </li>
204 <li>
204 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;
204 </li>
205 <li>
205 Details of any concerns about standards of practice and what if anything is being done/has
been done to address them;
205 </li>
206 <li>
206 Details of allegations made against the foster carer/adopter or their household members;
and
206 </li>
207 <li>
207 Any other information considered to be relevant to the assessment of the person's
suitability to foster/adopt.
207 </li>
208 </ul>
209 <h3>
209 3.2 Consent
209 </h3>
210 <p>
210 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.
210 </p>
211 <p>
211 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.
211 </p>
212 <p>
212 Requests for access to information should be accompanied by the written consent of the
applicant to the sharing of their information.
212 </p>
213 <h3>
213 3.3 Timescales
213 </h3>
214 <p>
214 The receiving service should acknowledged the request within 2 working days, seek consent
from all others referred to in the information within 5 working days and the information,
redacted where necessary, should be provided within 15 working days.
214 </p>
215 </div>
216 <div class="section1">
216 </div>
222 <div class="section">
222 <h2 id="checks_ref">
222 4. Checks and References
222 </h2>
223 <h3>
223 4.1
223 <a id="checks">
223 </a>
223 Checks
223 </h3>
224 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)
and 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.
225 <p>
225 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.
225 </p>
226 <p>
226 Where applicants have recently moved to the UK (within the last 10 years), checks may also
be made on all members of the household aged 18 and over. The application process for
criminal records checks or 'Certificates of Good Character' for someone from overseas varies
from country to country. For further information, see
226 <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applic
ants" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
226 GOV.UK - Criminal records checks for overseas applicants
226 </a>
226 .
226 </p>
227 <p>
227 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.
227 </p>
228 <p>
228 On receipt of the statutory checks, the administrative staff will update the electronic
records.
228 </p>
229 <p>
229 Where the checks reveal that the applicant or a member of the household is a disqualified
person (foster carer), see
229 <a href="p_pers_disq.html">
229 Persons Disqualified from Fostering Procedure
229 </a>
229 .
229 </p>
230 <p>
230 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
230 <a href="p_pers_disq.html">
230 Persons Disqualified from Fostering Procedure
230 </a>
230 . In any other case where there is doubt, an early referral should be made to the Fostering
Panel and/or
230 <a href="pr_desg_man.html#agency_foster">
230 Agency Decision Maker (Fostering)
230 </a>
230 .
230 </p>
231 <p>
231 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.
231 </p>
232 <h3>
232 4.2
232 <a id="references">
232 </a>
232 References
232 </h3>
233 <p>
233 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.
233 </p>
234 <p>
234 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.
234 </p>
235 Otherwise, each applicant will be asked to provide the names of two personal referees, who are
adults, have known the applicant for at least 5 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.
236 <p>
236 Where there is a joint application, referees should know both applicants, or additional
referees will be required.
236 </p>
237 <p>
237 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.
237 </p>
238 <p>
238 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.
238 </p>
239 <p>
239 The administrative staff will send requests for written references to each referee.
239 </p>
240 <p>
240 On receipt of the references, the administrative staff will update the electronic records.
240 </p>
241 <h3>
241 4.3
241 <a id="health">
241 </a>
241 Health
241 </h3>
242 <p>
242 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.
242 </p>
243 <p>
243 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.
243 </p>
244 </div>
245 <div class="section1">
245 </div>
251 <div class="section">
251 <h2 id="training_course">
251 5. Training Course
251 </h2>
252 <p>
252 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
252 <a href="#changes">
252 Section 13, Changes in the Foster Carer's Household or Circumstances
252 </a>
252 for the procedure to be followed where such changes occur.
252 </p>
253 <p>
253 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.
253 </p>
254 <p>
254 The objectives of the course are:
254 </p>
255 <ul>
256 <li>
256 To raise awareness and understanding of the key issues which need to be addressed by all
foster carers;
256 </li>
257 <li>
257 To assist applicants to consider more thoroughly the implications of fostering;
257 </li>
258 <li>
258 To assist applicants to determine the type of resource they can offer to the children
needing foster placements.
258 </li>
259 </ul>
260 <p>
260 Those facilitating the course will provide written feedback on issues relating to the
applicants for the assessing social worker which must be used in their assessment. Any
issues of concern should be referred to the manager.
260 </p>
261 <p>
261 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.
261 </p>
262 <p>
262 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
262 <a href="#panel_recommend">
262 Section 7, The Panel Recommendation
262 </a>
262 to
262 <a href="#representations_review">
262 Section 9, Representations / Independent Review Procedure
262 </a>
262 ).
262 </p>
263 </div>
264 <div class="section1">
264 </div>
270 <div class="section">
270 <h2 id="assessment">
270 6. Assessment - Stage Two
270 </h2>
271 <p>
271 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:
271 </p>
272 <ul>
273 <li>
273 Obtain the following information relating to the applicant and other members of the
household, together with any other relevant information:
274 <ul>
275 <li>
275 Details of personality;
275 </li>
276 <li>
276 Religious persuasion, and capacity to care for a child from any particular religious
persuasion;
276 </li>
277 <li>
277 Racial origin, cultural and linguistic background and capacity to care for a child
from any particular racial origin or cultural or linguistic background;
277 </li>
278 <li>
278 Past and present employment or occupation, standard of living, leisure activities and
interests;
278 </li>
279 <li>
279 Previous experience (if any) of caring for their own and other children;
279 </li>
280 <li>
280 Skills, competence and potential relevant to their capacity to care effectively for a
child placed with them.
280 </li>
281 </ul>
282 </li>
283 <li>
283 Consider whether the applicant is suitable to be a foster parent and whether the applicant
's household is suitable for any child;
283 </li>
284 <li>
284 Prepare a written report on the applicant which includes the following matters:
285 <ul>
286 <li>
286 The information required to be obtained, as set out above;
286 </li>
287 <li>
287 Any other relevant information;
287 </li>
288 <li>
288 An assessment of the applicant's suitability to be a foster parent;
288 </li>
289 <li>
289 Proposals about any terms of approval.
289 </li>
290 </ul>
291 </li>
292 </ul>
293 <p>
293 (There are no specific regulatory requirements about the way in which assessment information
must be collected or presented to panel.)
293 </p>
294 <p>
294 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.)
294 </p>
295 <p>
295 The assessing social worker will:
295 </p>
296 <ul>
297 <li>
297 Familiarise themselves with the application form;
297 </li>
298 <li>
298 Contact the applicant(s) and arrange a visit;
298 </li>
299 <li>
299 Draw up a written agreement setting out the dates for the assessment visits and the date
for the presentation to the Fostering Panel;
299 </li>
300 <li>
300 Interview couples individually and together and ensure the children of the applicant or
other significant members of the family/household are seen alone;
300 </li>
301 <li>
301 Contact ex partners (see below);
301 </li>
302 <li>
302 Inform the applicant(s) of any revised timescales if there are delays.
302 </li>
303 </ul>
304 <p>
304 The assessing social worker will record all appropriate factual information and address
issues including the applicants' understanding of the following areas:
304 </p>
305 <ul>
306 <li>
306 Child rearing;
306 </li>
307 <li>
307 Caring for children born to someone else;
307 </li>
308 <li>
308 Contact between children and their families;
308 </li>
309 <li>
309 Helping children to make sense of their past;
309 </li>
310 <li>
310 Sexual boundaries and attitudes;
310 </li>
311 <li>
311 Awareness of sexual and other forms of abuse;
311 </li>
312 <li>
312 Health and health promotion;
312 </li>
313 <li>
313 Promotion of education;
313 </li>
314 <li>
314 Approaches to discipline;
314 </li>
315 <li>
315 Awareness of how to promote secure attachments between children and appropriate adults;
315 </li>
316 <li>
316 Religion;
316 </li>
317 <li>
317 Standards of living and lifestyles;
317 </li>
318 <li>
318 Racial, cultural and linguistic issues;
318 </li>
319 <li>
319 Experiences of disability and attitudes to disability;
319 </li>
320 <li>
320 Awareness of equal opportunities;
320 </li>
321 <li>
321 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.
321 </li>
322 </ul>
323 <p>
323 The list is not exhaustive - other issues relevant to the individual applicant and their
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.
323 </p>
324 <p>
324 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.
324 </p>
325 <p>
325 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.
325 </p>
326 <p>
326 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.
326 </p>
327 <p>
327 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.
327 </p>
328 <p>
328 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.
328 </p>
329 </div>
330 <div class="section1">
330 </div>
336 <div class="section">
336 <h2 id="panel_recommend">
336 7. The Panel Recommendation
336 </h2>
337 <p>
337 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.
337 </p>
338 <p>
338 Applicants who decide they wish to attend should be fully prepared as to the procedure prior
to their attendance.
338 </p>
339 <p>
339 The Panel will consider the reports together with all the supporting documentation, and make
a recommendation to the
339 <a href="pr_desg_man.html#agency_foster">
339 Agency Decision Maker (Fostering)
339 </a>
339 regarding the suitability of the applicant for fostering.
339 </p>
340 <p>
340 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.
340 </p>
341 <p>
341 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.
341 </p>
342 </div>
343 <div class="section1">
343 </div>
349 <div class="section">
349 <h2 id="after_panel">
349 8. After the Panel Recommendation
349 </h2>
350 <p>
350 The
350 <a href="pr_desg_man.html#agency_foster">
350 Agency Decision Maker (Fostering)
350 </a>
350 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.
350 </p>
351 <p>
351 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.
351 </p>
352 <p>
352 The decision must be made within 7 working days of receipt of the panel's recommendation and
final set of panel minutes and must be recorded, together with reasons.
352 </p>
353 <p>
353 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.
353 </p>
354 <p>
354 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.
354 </p>
355 <p>
355 Upon approval, foster carers should be issued with an agreed form of identification to
enable their role as a foster carer to be verified.
355 </p>
356 </div>
357 <div class="section1">
357 </div>
363 <div class="section">
363 <h2 id="representations_review">
363 9. Representations / Independent Review Procedure
363 </h2>
364 <p>
364 If, at Stage 2 of the assessment process, the Agency Decision Maker gives a qualifying
determination that they propose not to approve the applicants as foster carers, the
applicant will be advised that if they wish 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.
364 </p>
365 The foster carer will not have the right to request a review by an Independent Review Panel if
they are regarded as disqualified as a result of a conviction or caution for a specified
offence – see
365 <a href="p_pers_disq.html">
365 Persons Disqualified from Fostering Procedure
365 </a>
365 .
366 <p>
366 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.
366 </p>
367 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).
368 <p>
368 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
368 <a href="pr_desg_man.html#agency_foster">
368 Agency Decision Maker (Fostering)
368 </a>
368 .
368 </p>
369 <p>
369 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.
369 </p>
370 <p>
370 In these circumstances, applicants who wish to attend the meeting of the Fostering Panel can
arrange for a friend or supporter to accompany them.
370 </p>
371 <p>
371 After considering the representations, the Panel will make a recommendation, which the
Agency Decision Maker (Fostering) will consider before a final decision is made.
371 </p>
372 <p>
372 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.
372 </p>
373 <p>
373 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:
373 <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/attending-an-irm-panel-information-sheets
" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
373 Attending an IRM panel: information sheets (GOV.UK)
373 </a>
373 .
373 </p>
374 <p>
374 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.
374 </p>
375 <p>
375 After considering the representations, the Independent Review may make a recommendation,
which the Agency Decision Maker will consider before a final decision is made.
375 </p>
376 <p>
376 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.
376 </p>
377 <p>
377 Where the decision is to approve the application, the procedure set out in
377 <a href="#after_approval">
377 Section 11, After Approval
377 </a>
377 will be followed.
377 </p>
378 </div>
379 <div class="section1">
379 </div>
385 <div class="section">
385 <h2 id="criteria_foster">
385 10. Criteria for Foster Carers
385 </h2>
386 <h3>
386 10.1 Individual and Joint
386 </h3>
387 <p>
387 Applications will be considered from married couples, civil partners, unmarried couples or
single people.
387 </p>
388 <h3>
388 10.2 Religion
388 </h3>
389 <p>
389 Applications will be considered from people of any or no religious persuasion.
389 </p>
390 <h3>
390 10.3 Ethnicity
390 </h3>
391 <p>
391 Applications will be considered from people of any race or culture.
391 </p>
392 <h3>
392 10.4 Age
392 </h3>
393 <p>
393 The minimum age for foster carers is generally 21 years. In exceptional circumstances, e.g.
with some Family and Friends Carers, the minimum age may be reduced to 18. There is no
specific upper age limit.
393 </p>
394 <h3>
394 10.5 Gender
394 </h3>
395 <p>
395 An applicant's gender or gender identity is not a factor in determining if they are suitable
to foster.
395 </p>
396 <h3>
396 10.6 Sexual Orientation
396 </h3>
397 <p>
397 Applications will be considered from people of any sexual orientation.
397 </p>
398 <h3>
398 10.7 Income and Work Commitment
398 </h3>
399 <p>
399 Applicants may be in work or not.
399 </p>
400 <h3>
400 10.8 Health
400 </h3>
401 <p>
401 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.
401 </p>
402 <p>
402 Applicants are expected to positively promote a healthy life-style which will enable a child
to reach their full potential. This would encompass attention to nutrition, exercise,
routine and hygiene.
402 </p>
403 <p>
403 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.
403 </p>
404 <h3>
404 10.9 Criminal Convictions
404 </h3>
405 <p>
405 A person who is seeking approval as a foster carer will not be considered if they 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
405 <a href="p_pers_disq.html">
405 Persons Disqualified from Fostering Procedure
405 </a>
405 .
405 </p>
406 <p>
406 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.
406 </p>
407 <h3>
407 10.10 Accommodation
407 </h3>
408 <p>
408 Applicants may own their own home or live in rented accommodation.
408 </p>
409 <p>
409 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 adult sons or daughters of the foster carer.
409 </p>
410 <p>
410 It is important that the home environment is child-friendly, welcoming to children, safe and
meets reasonable levels of hygiene.
410 </p>
411 <p>
411 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.
411 </p>
412 <h3>
412 10.11 Child Care Experience
412 </h3>
413 <p>
413 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.
413 </p>
414 <h3>
414 10.12 Family Contact
414 </h3>
415 <p>
415 All applicants must be prepared to facilitate contact between any foster child and their
parents and significant family members.
415 </p>
416 </div>
417 <div class="section1">
417 </div>
423 <div class="section">
423 <h2 id="after_approval">
423 11. After the Approval
423 </h2>
424 <p>
424 Once approved, the administrative staff will enter the foster carers' approval details,
including their first review date, on the Fostering Register database (see
424 <a href="#register">
424 Section 12, Register of Foster Carers
424 </a>
424 ) and update the electronic records. They will also send notice of the outcome to all
agencies consulted during the assessment and approval process.
424 </p>
425 <p>
425 The foster carer will be allocated a supervising social worker, preferably the one who has
undertaken their assessment - see
425 <a href="p_sup_fos_carer.html">
425 Supervision and Support of Foster Carers Procedure
425 </a>
425 . If the social worker does not know the new carer, they will read the CoramBAAF Form F and
the supporting documentation presented to the Fostering Panel including the references prior
to introducing themselves to the carers and arranging to meet the carers, their family and
members of their support network as appropriate.
425 </p>
426 <p>
426 The supervising social worker will visit the foster carers within 1 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 their
functions as a foster carer effectively, ensuring that the foster carer understands its
contents.
426 </p>
427 <p>
427 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.
427 </p>
428 <p>
428 The Foster Care Agreement will contain the following information:
428 </p>
429 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
430 <li>
430 The terms of the foster carer's approval;
430 </li>
431 <li>
431 The support and training to be provided to the foster carer;
431 </li>
432 <li>
432 The procedure for the review of the foster carer's approval;
432 </li>
433 <li>
433 The procedure for placements of children;
433 </li>
434 <li>
434 The procedure for making representations and complaints;
434 </li>
435 <li>
435 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;
435 </li>
436 <li>
436 The requirements in relation to confidentiality and internet usage;
436 </li>
437 <li>
437 The procedures for behaviour management and unauthorised absences of children placed with
the foster carer including the ban on corporal punishment;
437 </li>
438 <li>
438 The procedures for informing the supervising social worker of the child's progress and any
significant events relating to the child;
438 </li>
439 <li>
439 The need to give 28 days' notice in writing if they wish to cease fostering;
439 </li>
440 <li>
440 The need to allow access to the regulatory authority.
440 </li>
441 </ol>
442 <p>
442 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.
442 </p>
443 <p>
443 The foster carer(s) must sign confirmation of receipt. The signed and dated confirmation of
receipt will be placed on their file.
443 </p>
444 <p>
444 Foster carers will be assisted by their supervising social worker to produce a Safe Caring
Policy and Fire Plan.
444 </p>
445 <p>
445 The supervising social worker will continue to provide support and supervision to the foster
carer up to, during and after all placements - see
445 <a href="p_sup_fos_carer.html">
445 Supervision and Support of Foster Carers Procedure
445 </a>
445 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
445 <a href="#changes">
445 Section 13, Changes in the Foster Carer's Household or Circumstances
445 </a>
445 - and the need to repeat Disclosure and Barring Service checks on themselves every 3 years
(unless they have subscribed to the disclosure and barring service update service) - see
445 <a href="p_review_fos_care.html">
445 Review and Termination of Approval of Foster Carers Procedure
445 </a>
445 .
445 </p>
446 </div>
447 <div class="section1">
447 </div>
453 <div class="section">
453 <h2 id="register">
453 12. Register of Foster Carers
453 </h2>
454 <p>
454 A register of all approved foster carers will be maintained by the fostering service
containing the following particulars:
454 </p>
455 <ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
456 <li>
456 The name, address, date of birth, sex and ethnic origin of each foster carer;
456 </li>
457 <li>
457 The date of approval and of each review of the approval;
457 </li>
458 <li>
458 The category and current terms of the approval;
458 </li>
459 <li>
459 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.
459 </li>
460 </ol>
461 <p>
461 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.
461 </p>
462 </div>
463 <div class="section1">
463 </div>
469 <div class="section">
469 <h2 id="changes">
469 13. Changes in the Foster Carer's Household or Circumstances
469 </h2>
470 <p>
470 The supervising social worker will ensure that any newly approved foster carer is clear
about their 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.
470 </p>
471 <p>
471 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
471 <a href="p_review_fos_care.html">
471 Review and Termination of Approval of Foster Carers Procedure
471 </a>
471 . In these circumstances, a suspension of the foster carer's approval may have to be
considered at the review.
471 </p>
472 <h3>
472 13.1 Foster Carer's Partners
472 </h3>
473 <p>
473 Where the proposed new member of the household is a partner of the foster carer, there will
be a presumption that they will have a part to play in caring for any child in the placement
and therefore a full Form F assessment of their 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
473 <a href="pr_desg_man.html#agency_foster">
473 Agency Decision Maker (Fostering)
473 </a>
473 in accordance with the preceding paragraphs of this chapter. There will be no presumption
that any such assessment will be approved.
473 </p>
474 <p>
474 Pending the completion of the full assessment, where the foster carer wishes their 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.
474 </p>
475 <h3>
475 13.2 Other members of the household
475 </h3>
476 <p>
476 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
476 <a href="p_review_fos_care.html">
476 Review and Termination of Approval of Foster Carers Procedure
476 </a>
476 . 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.
476 </p>
477 <p>
477 For Exemptions to the usual limit of 3 children and Alterations or other Extensions to
Approval, see
477 <a href="p_fost_exemp.html">
477 Exemptions and Extensions/Variations to Foster Care Approval Procedure
477 </a>
477 .
477 </p>
478 </div>
479 <div class="section1">
479 </div>
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504 </div>
504 <div class="modal-footer">
504 E960 [WCAG21 4.1.2 (A)] Do not use role=presentation|none or aria-hidden=true on a focusable element:
Using either of these on a sequentially focusable element will result in some users focusing on 'nothing'. A sequentially focusable element is an interactive element, or one with a positive 'tabindex'. See Fourth Rule of ARIA Use. <a href="#closepopup1" id="closepopup1" class="close" data-dismiss="modal" aria-hidden="true">
504 Close
504 </a>
504 </div>
504 </div>
504 </div>
504 </div>
504 </div>
506 <script src="js/val/test/jquery-1.11.3.min.js" defer>
506 </script>
507 <script type="text/javascript" src="js/highlight.js" defer>
507 </script>
508 <script src="js/iframe/iframeResizer.js">
508 </script>
510 <script src="https://maxcdn.bootstrapcdn.com/bootstrap/3.3.7/js/bootstrap.min.js" defer>
510 </script>
511 <script src="js/jqueryui/jquery-ui-1.9.1.custom.min.js" defer>
511 </script>
512 <script src="js/jquery.tocify.js" defer>
512 </script>
513 <script src="js/dropdowns-enhancement.js" defer>
513 </script>
514 <script src="js/scroll.js" defer>
514 </script>
515 <script src="js/custom.js" defer>
515 </script>
516 <script src="js/dmss.js" defer>
516 </script>
517 <script type="text/javascript"
src="https://cabbiepete.github.io/jQuery-Share-Email/js/jquery.tmpl.min.js" defer>
517 </script>
519 <script type="text/javascript" src="js/jQuery.print.js" defer>
519 </script>
520 <script src="js/jquery.shareemail.js" type="text/javascript" defer>
520 </script>
521 <script src="js/cookie-code/jquery.cookiebar.js" defer>
521 </script>
524 <a id="scrollup">
524 <i class="up">
524 </i>
524 </a>
525 <div id="background">
526 <p id="bg_text">
526 Trix procedures
526 </p>
527 <p id="bg_text_msg">
527 Only valid for 48hrs
527 </p>
528 </div>
533 <script type="text/javascript">
541 </script>
544 </body>
545 </html>