The Foster Placement (Children) Regulations 1991

Placements

5.—(1) A responsible authority are not to place a child with a fosterparent unless they are satisfied that—

(a) that is the most suitable way of performing their duty under (asthe case may be) section 22(3) or 61(1)(a) and (b) of the Act; and

(b) placement with the particular foster parent is the most suitableplacement having regard to all the circumstances.

(2) In making arrangements for a placement a responsible authority areto secure that where possible the foster parent is—

(a) of the same religious persuasion as the child, or

(b) gives an undertaking that the child will be brought up in thatreligious persuasion.

(3) Consistent with the terms of any approval given under regulation 3,a responsible authority may place a child with a foster parent whom theyhave themselves approved or, provided the conditions specified inparagraph (4) are satisfied, with a foster parent approved by anotherlocal authority or voluntary organisation.

(4) The conditions referred to in paragraph (3) are that—

(a) the approving authority consent to the placement;

(b) any other local authority or voluntary organisation who alreadyhave a child placed with the foster parent also consent to theplacement; and

(c) the area authority (if they are not also the approving authority)are consulted, and their views taken into account, and are given noticeof the placement.

(5) A responsible authority which places a child after consulting anarea authority under paragraph (4)(c) shall give notice of the placementto the area authority.

(6) Except in the case of an emergency or immediate placement underregulation 11, a responsible authority are not to place a child unlessthe authority and the foster parent have entered into a writtenagreement relating to that child covering the matters specified inSchedule 3.