Regulation 28 Approval of foster parents

(1)

A fostering service provider must not approve a person who has been approved as a foster parent by another fostering service provider, and whose approval has not been terminated.

(2)

A fostering service provider must not approve a person as a foster parent unless—

(a)

it has completed its assessment of the person’s suitability; and

(b)

its fostering panel has considered the application.

(3)

A fostering service provider in deciding whether to approve a person as a foster parent and as to the terms of any approval, must take into account the recommendation of its fostering panel.

(4)

No member of its fostering panel is to take part in any decision made by a fostering service provider under paragraph (3).

(5)

If a fostering service provider decides to approve a person as a foster parent it must—

(a)

give the person notice in writing specifying the terms of the approval, for example, whether it is in respect of a particular named child or children, or number and age range of children or of placements of any particular kind, or in any particular circumstances; and

(b)

enter into a written agreement with the person covering the matters specified in Schedule 5 (in these Regulations referred to as the “foster care agreement”).

(6)

If a fostering service provider considers that a person is not suitable to act as a foster parent it must—

(a)

give the person written notice that it proposes not to approve him or her together with its reasons and a copy of the fostering panel’s recommendation; and

(b)

invite the person to submit any written representations within 28 days of the date of the notice.

(7)

If the fostering service provider does not receive any representations within the period referred to in paragraph (6)(b), it may proceed to make its decision.

(8)

If the fostering service provider receives any written representations within the period referred to in paragraph (6)(b), it must—

(a)

refer the case to the fostering panel for further consideration; and

(b)

make its decision, taking into account any fresh recommendation made by the fostering panel.

(9)

As soon as practicable after making the decision referred to in paragraph (7) or (8)(b), as the case may be, the fostering service provider must notify the prospective foster parent in writing and—

(a)

if the decision is to approve the person as a foster parent, comply with paragraph (5) in relation to the person; or

(b)

if the decision is not to approve the person, provide written reasons for its decision.