The Fostering Panels (Establishment and Functions) (Wales) Regulations 2018

Functions of fostering panels

5.—(1) The functions of the fostering panel in respect of cases referred to it by the fostering services 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 9(2), and

(ii) on the occasion of any other review when requested to do so by the fostering services provider in accordance with regulation 9(5), and

(d) to consider any case referred to it under regulation 8(9) or 9(10).

(2) In considering what recommendation to make under paragraph (1), the fostering panel—

(a) must consider and take into account all of the information passed to it in accordance with regulation 7, 8 or 9 (as the case may be),

(b) may request the fostering services provider to obtain any other relevant information which the fostering panel considers necessary or to provide such other assistance as the fostering panel may request, and

(c) may obtain such legal advice or medical advice it considers necessary in relation to the case.

(3) In relation to the case of a person in respect of whom a report has been prepared in accordance with regulation 7(6), the fostering panel must either—

(a) request the fostering services provider to prepare a further written report, covering all the matters set out in regulation 7(5)(c), or

(b) recommend that the person is not suitable to be a foster parent.

(4) The fostering services provider must obtain such information as the fostering panel considers necessary and send that information to the panel, and provide such other assistance as the fostering panel may request, so far as is reasonably practicable.

(5) The fostering panel must also—

(a) advise on the procedures under which reviews in accordance with regulation 9 are carried out by the fostering services provider and periodically monitor their effectiveness,

(b) oversee the conduct of assessments carried out by the fostering services provider, and

(c) give advice and make recommendations on such other matters or individual cases as the fostering services provider may refer to it.

(6) The fostering panel must also make a written record of its proceedings and the reasons for its recommendations.

(7) In this regulation, “recommend” means recommend to the fostering services provider.