6.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), a fostering panel shall consider every person referred to it by the local authority as a prospective foster carer and shall make recommendations to the local authority as to whether such a person is suitable to be a foster carer and shall state whether the panel’s recommendation is in respect of–
(a)a particular child or children; or
(b)any child; or
(c)certain categories of child,
to whom these Regulations apply.
(2) In considering its recommendations the panel shall have regard to the duties imposed upon the local authority by section 17(1) of the Act (duty of local authority to child looked after by them) and shall consider all the information and reports passed to it and any other information which may be provided to it on request.
(3) The local authority may request a fostering panel to consider and advise on any other matters relevant to the performance of their functions under the Act and these Regulations.