Who makes the final foster carer approval decision?

Foster carer approval is a two-stage process: the fostering panel independently considers the assessment and makes a recommendation, while the agency decision-maker makes the formal decision for the fostering service. The decision-maker must consider the full evidence, including the panel’s recommendation, before deciding whether the applicant is suitable to foster.

The agency decision-maker is a senior person within the fostering service who is responsible for making approval decisions. They are not simply required to accept the panel’s view. However, any decision that differs from the panel’s recommendation must be properly considered and explained. The decision-maker should have access to the assessment report, panel minutes or recommendation, statutory checks, references, medical information, household details and any other relevant evidence.

The decision covers more than whether someone can foster. If approval is granted, it will include the applicant’s terms of approval . These set out the type of fostering they are considered suitable for, such as:

• the age range or age groups of children who may be placed with them;
• whether they may care for one child or more than one child;
• whether they may foster siblings;
• whether they may offer short-term, long-term, emergency, respite or other types of placements; and
• any conditions or restrictions that need to be attached to their approval.

The terms should reflect the assessment evidence rather than being decided separately from it. For example, the available bedroom space, the applicant’s skills and experience, household relationships, employment arrangements and ability to meet a child’s needs may all affect the recommendation and the final terms.

Before the panel meeting, the fostering service normally brings together the evidence collected during the assessment. This can include identity and criminal record checks, local authority checks, employment and personal references, health information, financial circumstances, home circumstances and information about everyone living in or regularly visiting the household. Applicants will also usually complete preparation training and take part in interviews and assessment discussions. The purpose is to understand the applicant’s capacity to provide safe, consistent and appropriate care, not just to confirm that paperwork has been completed.

The fostering panel examines this information and may ask questions about the assessment, the applicant’s circumstances and the proposed terms of approval. An applicant may be invited to attend the panel and explain their circumstances or respond to questions. The panel then records its recommendation and the reasons for it. Its recommendation is an important part of the process, but it is not the formal approval itself.

The agency decision-maker reviews the panel’s recommendation alongside the other evidence. They may decide to approve the applicant on the recommended terms, approve them with different terms, or decide that approval should not be granted. The decision should be recorded and communicated to the applicant in writing, with the outcome and reasons explained. Approval does not mean that a child is automatically placed in the household; matching and placement decisions take place separately and must focus on the needs of a particular child.

If the agency decision-maker is minded not to approve an applicant, the applicant should receive written information about the proposed decision and the reasons for it. There is generally an opportunity to make representations or ask for the case to be considered through the Independent Review Mechanism, subject to the applicable fostering regulations and timescales. The notice from the fostering service should explain which route is available and the deadline for using it.

Where representations are made, the case may return to the fostering panel for further consideration. The agency decision-maker then makes the final decision after considering the panel’s further recommendation and any representations. If the decision remains negative, the fostering service should provide written reasons and explain any relevant complaints or review procedure.

For applicants who are approved, the fostering service continues to review their approval and support needs. Terms of approval can sometimes be changed if circumstances alter, such as a change in household composition, accommodation, health, experience or the type of fostering the carer wishes to undertake. Any proposed change should be discussed with the foster carer and handled through the appropriate review process.

If you are unsure who is making a decision in your case, ask the fostering service whether you are at the assessment, panel or agency decision-maker stage. You can also ask for the proposed terms of approval, the panel’s recommendation and the written reasons for the final decision where these are available to you.