Can kinship foster care approval be refused?

Yes. Kinship foster care approval can be refused where the fostering service concludes that the proposed arrangement is not suitable for the child, the prospective carer or the household. Approval is based on an assessment of the child’s welfare and the carer’s ability to provide safe, stable and appropriate care; being related to, or already known by, the child does not automatically result in approval.

A decision to refuse approval should be based on evidence gathered during the assessment. The fostering service should explain the reasons clearly, identify the information considered and tell the applicant what options are available. A fostering panel will usually consider the assessment and make a recommendation, followed by a decision from the fostering agency’s decision-maker.

Common reasons for refusal may include:

• Safeguarding concerns: Checks or other information may indicate a risk to the child or to other children and adults in the household.
• Unresolved suitability issues: This may include relevant criminal convictions, concerns arising from social care records, significant household conflict or information that has not been disclosed.
• Concerns about the home: The accommodation may not provide enough space, privacy, safety or stability for the child’s needs.
• Capacity to care: The assessment may find that the proposed carer cannot consistently manage the child’s behaviour, health needs, routines, contact arrangements or emotional needs.
• Household impact: The needs and views of existing children, other household members and any adults who regularly visit the home must be considered.
• Insufficient cooperation with the assessment: Delays in providing information, missed appointments or unwillingness to complete required checks can prevent the service from reaching a positive decision.
• Conflict around the child’s care: Difficulties working with the child’s birth parents, social worker or other professionals may affect whether the arrangement is considered safe and workable.

A refusal does not necessarily mean that the applicant is unsuitable in every respect. Sometimes the concern relates to a specific issue that cannot be resolved within the proposed timescale, such as a housing problem, an incomplete assessment or a change in the child’s needs. The written decision should distinguish between facts that have been established and professional judgements about the proposed arrangement.

If approval is being considered for a child who is already living with the relative or friend, the local authority must continue to consider the child’s immediate welfare. Refusal does not by itself determine where the child will live permanently. Social workers should discuss alternative arrangements, the child’s wishes and feelings where appropriate, and the effect of any move on the child’s relationships and stability.

If you disagree with the decision, read the notification carefully and ask for clarification promptly. Useful steps include:

• Request the assessment information: Check the report, references, health information and home assessment for factual errors or missing evidence.
• Ask how the decision was reached: The fostering service should explain the panel recommendation, the agency decision and the reasons for any difference between them.
• Provide corrections or further evidence: If information is inaccurate, explain the issue in writing and include relevant supporting documents where possible.
• Check the review route: The decision letter should explain whether you can make representations to the fostering service, request reconsideration or apply to the Independent Review Mechanism. These routes have strict deadlines, so do not delay.
• Obtain independent advice: A solicitor or specialist adviser can help you understand the decision, the review process and any implications for the child’s care arrangements.

In some cases, a concern may be addressed through additional training, a revised safety plan, changes to the home or clearer arrangements for contact and professional support. However, a fostering service cannot approve an arrangement simply because the family relationship is important. The child’s safety, development and day-to-day welfare remain the central considerations.

Kinship foster care approval should also be distinguished from temporary approval. In urgent circumstances, a connected person may be temporarily approved while a full assessment is completed. Temporary approval is not a guarantee of full approval, and the full assessment can still result in refusal if the required standards are not met.

Where refusal is being considered, ask the social worker or fostering service to explain what information is still needed, which concerns are considered decisive and what review rights apply. Specialist guidance can help prospective kinship carers understand the assessment evidence, prepare a response and focus on the child’s needs throughout the process.