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.