The Children (Private Arrangements for Fostering) Regulations 2005

Subsequent visits to children who are being fostered privately

8.—(1) Each local authority must arrange for an officer of the authority to visit every child who is being fostered privately in their area—

(a) in the first year of the private fostering arrangement, at intervals of not more than six weeks; and

(b) in any second or subsequent year, at intervals of not more than 12 weeks.

(2) In addition to visits carried out in accordance with paragraph (1) the local authority must arrange for every child who is fostered privately in their area to be visited by an officer when reasonably requested to do so by the child, the private foster carer, a parent of the child or any other person with parental responsibility for the child.

(3) When carrying out a visit under this regulation the officer must speak to the child alone unless he considers it inappropriate.

(4) When carrying out a visit under this regulation the officer must establish such matters listed in Schedule 3 as appear to him to be relevant.

(5) The officer must make a written report to the local authority after each visit carried out in accordance with this regulation.

(6) For the purposes of this regulation, the private fostering arrangement is deemed to begin when the local authority become aware of it.