Functions of fostering panel
26.—(1) The functions of the fostering panel in respect of cases referred to it by the fostering service provider are—
(a)to consider each application for approval and to recommend whether or not a person is suitable to act as a foster parent;
(b)where it recommends approval of an application, to recommend the terms on which the approval is given;
(c)to recommend whether or not a person remains suitable to act as a foster parent, and whether or not the terms of the person’s approval remain appropriate—
(i)on the first review carried out in accordance with regulation 29(1) ; and
(ii)on the occasion of any other review when requested to do so by the fostering service provider in accordance with regulation 29(5); and
(d)to consider any case referred to it under regulation 28(8) or 29(9).
(2) The fostering panel must also—
(a)advise on the procedures under which reviews in accordance with regulation 29 are carried out by the fostering service provider and periodically monitor their effectiveness;
(b)oversee the conduct of assessments carried out by the fostering service provider; and
(c)give advice and make recommendations on such other matters or individual cases as the fostering service provider may refer to it.
(3) In this regulation “recommend” means recommend to the fostering service provider.