Regulation 12 Arrangements for the protection of children

(1)

The fostering service provider shall prepare and implement a written policy which—

(a)

is intended to safeguard children placed with foster parents from abuse or neglect; and

(b)

sets out the procedure to be followed in the event of any allegation of abuse or neglect.

(2)

The procedure under paragraph (1)(b) shall, subject to paragraph (3), provide in particular for—

(a)

liaison and co-operation with any local authority which is, or may be, making child protection enquiries in relation to any child placed by the fostering service provider;

(b)

the prompt referral to the area authority of any allegation of abuse or neglect affecting any child placed by the fostering service provider;

(c)

notification of the instigation and outcome of any child protection enquiries involving a child placed by the fostering service provider, to the Commission;

(d)

written records to be kept of any allegation of abuse or neglect, and of the action taken in response;

(e)

consideration to be given to the measures which may be necessary to protect children placed with foster parents following an allegation of abuse or neglect; and

(f)

arrangements to be made for persons working for the purposes of a fostering service, foster parents and children placed by the fostering service, to have access to information which would enable them to contact—

(i)

the area authority; and

(ii)

the Commission,

regarding any concern about child welfare or safety.

(3)

Sub-paragraphs (a), (c) and (f)(i) of paragraph (2) do not apply to a local authority fostering service.

(4)

In this regulation “child protection enquiries” means any enquiries carried out by a local authority in the exercise of any of its functions conferred by or under the 1989 Act relating to the protection of children.