PART VIFOSTERING PANELS
Functions of the fostering panel20
1
The fostering panel must consider the case of every foster carer and prospective foster carer referred to it by the local authority.
2
The fostering panel must make recommendations on the following matters:–
a
whether a prospective foster carer is suitable or continues to be suitable to be a foster carer;
b
whether a prospective foster carer would be a suitable foster carer for–
i
a particular child or children;
ii
any child; or
iii
certain categories of child;
c
the maximum number of children a particular foster carer may have in their care at any one time;F1...
F2d
following a referral under regulation 27B(2), whether the foster carer is a suitable carer for the child, despite this resulting in more than 3 children who are not all siblings of each other remaining in the care of that foster carer at any one time.
3
Before making a recommendation under paragraph (2) the fostering panel must give the prospective foster carer the opportunity to meet with the foster panel to discuss the matter.
4
In carrying out its functions the fostering panel must have regard to–
a
the duties imposed on the local authority by section 17(1) of the 1995 Act;
b
all the information and reports passed to it.
F3c
the presumption that no more than 3 children are to be in the care of a foster carer at any one time, unless all the children are siblings of each other.