How does the network support carers during allegations?

The support network helps foster carers during an allegation by explaining the safeguarding process, coordinating communication, protecting confidentiality and providing practical and emotional support. An allegation is a concern that a foster carer may have harmed a child, failed to protect them or behaved in a way that affects their suitability to foster; it is not proof that wrongdoing has occurred.

The fostering service will usually make sure the concern is passed to the appropriate professionals. Depending on its nature, this may involve children’s social care, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), the police or other safeguarding services. These agencies decide how the concern should be assessed and investigated. The supervising social worker can explain who is involved, what each professional’s role is and what information can be shared.

• Explaining the process: The network should help you understand the next steps, expected meetings, any restrictions and how decisions will be reviewed. You should be told what you need to do and who to contact if you are unsure about an instruction.
• Providing a consistent point of contact: Your supervising social worker or another nominated professional can coordinate updates, record your questions and help prevent conflicting information from different agencies.
• Offering practical guidance: You may need advice about contact with the child, school, birth family, professionals or other witnesses. The safest approach is normally to follow the instructions of the investigating professionals rather than attempting to resolve the concern yourself.
• Supporting the household: An allegation can affect other members of the fostering household. The support network can help you consider how to explain the situation to children and adults in the home without sharing confidential information or influencing anyone’s account.
• Maintaining confidentiality: Allegations involve sensitive information about children and families. Carers should avoid discussing details on social media or with people who are not directly involved. Your supervising social worker can clarify what you may share and with whom.
• Recognising emotional pressure: Feelings such as anxiety, anger or isolation are common during an investigation. The network should identify appropriate sources of emotional support, which may include a support worker, peer support, counselling or an independent organisation, subject to the arrangements available through your fostering service.

You should co-operate with the investigation, attend meetings and provide factual information when asked. Do not question the child about the allegation, encourage them to change their account, contact potential witnesses to influence what they say or carry out your own investigation. If you are unsure whether a proposed action is appropriate, ask your supervising social worker or the investigating professional before proceeding.

In some circumstances, the fostering service may decide that changes are needed while enquiries take place. This could affect contact arrangements, household routines or whether a child remains in the placement. Such decisions should be explained in safeguarding terms and reviewed through the relevant process. A temporary change or suspension of fostering activity is not, by itself, a finding that an allegation is substantiated.

Foster carers should keep a clear record of important conversations, meetings, instructions and documents. Write down dates, the name and role of the person involved, what was discussed and any action agreed. Keep records securely and share them only through the appropriate channels. Ask for clarification where information is unclear, particularly if different professionals appear to give inconsistent advice.

The outcome may be recorded using the relevant safeguarding terminology, such as unfounded, unsubstantiated, substantiated or malicious, although the exact process and definitions depend on the investigation. Once enquiries conclude, the fostering service should explain the outcome, any recommendations and what it means for your approval and future placements. You should also be told about opportunities to respond, review or challenge a decision where those rights apply.

If you believe your views have not been heard, ask for a meeting with the supervising social worker or fostering service manager and request the applicable complaints, review or appeal procedure. You may also wish to obtain independent advice, particularly where the allegation could affect your approval, employment or legal position. The support network can help you identify the correct route, but it cannot influence the investigation or guarantee a particular outcome.