The Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011

Regulation 27(5)(b)

SCHEDULE 5 Matters and obligations in Foster Care Agreements

1.  Matters to be recorded

(a) The terms of the foster parent’s approval.

(b) The support and training to be given to the foster parent.

(c) The procedure for the review of approval of the foster parent.

(d) The procedure in connection with the placement of children and the matters to be included in any placement plan.

(e) The arrangements for meeting any legal liabilities of the foster parent arising by reason of a placement.

(f) The procedure available to foster parents for making complaints and representations.

2.  Obligations on the foster parent

(a) To care for any child placed with them as if the child was a child of the foster parent’s family and to promote that child’s welfare having regard to the long and short-term plans for the child.

(b) To give written notice to the fostering service provider without delay, with full particulars, of—

(i) any intended change of the foster parent’s address,

(ii) any change in the composition of the household,

(iii) any other change in the foster parent’s personal circumstances and any other event affecting either their capacity to care for any child placed or the suitability of the household, and

(iv) any request or application to adopt children, or for registration as an early years provider or a later years provider under Part 3 of the Childcare Act 2006.

(c) Not to administer corporal punishment to any child placed with the foster parent.

(d) To ensure that any information relating to a child placed with the foster parent, to the child’s family or to any other person, which has been given to them in confidence in connection with a placement is kept confidential and is not disclosed to any person without the consent of the fostering service provider.

(e) To comply with the terms of any placement plan.

(f) To comply with the policies and procedures of the fostering service provider issued under regulations 12 and 13.

(g) To co-operate as reasonably required with the Chief Inspector and in particular to allow a person authorised by the Chief Inspector to interview the foster parent and visit the foster parent’s home at any reasonable time.

(h) To keep the fostering service provider informed about the child’s progress and to notify it as soon as is reasonably practicable of any significant events affecting the child.