The Fostering of Children (Scotland) Regulations 1996

Emergency and Immediate Placements

14.—(1) Where a local authority are satisfied that the immediate placement of a child is necessary they may for a period not exceeding six weeks place the child with a person who has not been approved under regulation 7 provided, after interviewing the person, inspecting the accommodation and obtaining information about the person and other persons living in his household, the authority are also satisfied that–

(a) the person is a relative or friend of the child;

(b) the person has made a written agreement with the local authority to carry out the duties specified in paragraph (2); and

(c) the provisions of regulation 13(2)(a) are satisfied.

(2) The duties referred to in regulation 13(2)(b) and paragraph (1)(b) of this regulation are–

(a) to care for the child as if he were a member of that person’s family and in a safe and appropriate manner;

(b) to permit any person authorised by the local authority to visit the child at any reasonable time;

(c) where a placement is terminated to allow the child to be removed at any time by the local authority;

(d) to ensure that any information which the person may acquire relating to the child, or to his family or any other person, which has been given to him in confidence in connection with the placement is kept confidential and is not disclosed except to, or with the agreement of, the local authority; and

(e) to allow contact with the child in accordance with section 17(1)(c) of the Act, with any contact order (as defined in section 11(1) and (2)(d) of the Act), and with any arrangements made or agreed by the local authority.