Concerns About A Foster Carer

This procedure is implemented when:

1. A concern raised about a foster carer does not meet the following Working Together criteria for allegations:
   
   “…where it is alleged that a foster carer or member of their household has:
   1. Behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child;
   2. Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child;
   3. Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates she/he is unsuitable to work with children”
      
      Where this criteria is met, please see the Allegations Against Foster Carers Procedure. Where this is uncertain, a discussion must take place with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and an agreement reached and recorded.
2. In the view of the Fostering Team Manager, the concern cannot be managed within the supervision sessions normally afforded the foster carer.
   
   This procedure will be underpinned by a Restorative Approach. This may include a restorative meeting or discussion to talk about what has happened, how those involved are feeling and how to move things forward.

1. Written account of the concern, together with a copy of this procedure, to be shared with the foster carer in a meeting with a Supervising Social Worker and a colleague (where appropriate) within 5 working days of receipt of the complaint or concern (or as soon as possible) (Part 1);
2. Foster carer to be given the Fostering Network Advice and Mediation Service details at this meeting;
3. Carer’s response recorded below the concern within 7 days of the above meeting (Part 2);
4. The carer’s Supervising Social Worker and a Fostering Team Manager to discuss parts 1 and 2 (with reference to all information available regarding the carers fostering history) within 5 working days of receipt of the foster carer’s response;
5. Agree and record further action during this discussion (Part 3).

Options for further Action to be Recorded, with Detail Recorded of any Chosen Option

• Further agenda items for supervision;
• Training recommendation;
• Restorative Meeting;
• LADO referral;
• Report to panel, including a full fostering career review*;
• No further action;
• Other.

^{*Where a report for panel is recommended, no further placements will be made with the foster carer until a decision is reached following panel by the agency decision-maker (the assistant director) regarding the terms of the foster carer’s approval.}

The record to be shared with the foster carer by a supervising social worker within 5 working days of completion. The foster carer should be given the opportunity to comment on the form and their comments should be included. The record should also be sent to the social worker for all children concerned, (and LADO if referral came via LADO).

Completed record to be held on the foster carer’s file and the running log to be updated.

The foster carer should be advised that they have a right to complain or insist on a foster panel hearing their review. Should they choose to use the complaints process this will immediately start at Stage 2. A complaint will not delay or stop agreed further action.

If a report for panel is recommended or requested by the foster carer this should be presented within 12 weeks.

Click here to view Appendix 1: Record of a Concern Regarding a Foster Carer.