What happens when an independent fostering assessment identifies safeguarding concerns?

A safeguarding concern identified during an independent fostering assessment does not automatically mean that an application will be refused. It means the concern must be understood, checked and assessed in relation to the safety and welfare of any child who might be placed in the household. The final decision rests with the fostering agency’s formal decision-making process, not with the independent assessor alone.

What may be treated as a safeguarding concern?

Concerns can arise from information about an applicant, another household member or someone who has regular access to the home. Examples may include:

• previous convictions, cautions or police intelligence relevant to children’s safety;
• past or current involvement with children’s social care;
• allegations of abuse, neglect, violence or exploitation;
• domestic abuse, coercive or controlling behaviour, or serious conflict in the household;
• substance misuse or other behaviour that could affect safe supervision;
• information from personal, employment or professional references; and
• information that was not disclosed, or that differs significantly from information provided during the assessment.

A concern is not judged solely by its label. The agency will consider what happened, when it happened, who was affected, whether there is a pattern, what has changed since then and what risk might remain.

How the concern is explored

The assessor will normally ask for your account and give you an opportunity to explain relevant circumstances. They may seek clarification from documents, references, social care records, criminal record information, health professionals or other sources permitted by the fostering process. The purpose is to establish reliable facts rather than rely on an untested allegation or assumption.

You should answer questions openly and provide documents that help explain the circumstances, such as court information, evidence of completed programmes or professional reports where these are relevant. Omissions can create a separate concern about openness and judgement, even where the original matter was historic. You should not attempt to contact an alleged victim, influence a reference or investigate confidential records yourself. Ask the assessor or agency how information should be provided.

How risk is assessed

The assessment should consider the potential effect on a child, rather than simply deciding whether an event was serious in the past. Factors may include:

• the nature and severity of the alleged or established behaviour;
• the age and vulnerability of any child involved;
• the time that has passed and whether there have been further incidents;
• acceptance of responsibility, insight and willingness to cooperate;
• current relationships, household stability and support networks;
• the applicant’s ability to follow safeguarding procedures and accept professional oversight; and
• whether practical safeguards could reduce risk without placing unreasonable responsibility on the child.

Safeguards might involve changes to sleeping arrangements, restrictions on unsupervised contact, professional agreements or excluding a person from the fostering household. These measures are not suitable in every case. They must be realistic, understood by everyone and sufficient to protect the particular children likely to be placed.

Your opportunity to respond

You should be told enough about a concern to respond meaningfully, subject to confidentiality and legal restrictions. Some information may need to be redacted or summarised to protect another person’s privacy. You can ask what evidence has been considered, whether further information is required and how your explanation will be reflected in the assessment report.

If you believe the report is factually inaccurate, distinguish between an incorrect fact and a professional opinion. Provide corrections or supporting evidence in writing and identify the relevant section of the report. An assessor may amend factual errors, add your response or explain why a professional conclusion remains unchanged.

Possible decisions

Once the information has been reviewed, the agency may decide that:

• the concern is not substantiated or does not create an unacceptable fostering risk;
• more information or specialist advice is needed before a decision can be made;
• the assessment can continue with specific safeguards or further assessment work;
• the application should not proceed because the remaining risk cannot be managed safely; or
• the assessment should be closed or a recommendation not to approve should be made.

Depending on the agency’s procedures and the stage reached, the assessment may be considered by a fostering panel and then by the agency decision-maker. The decision-maker should consider the full assessment, the safeguarding information, your response and any relevant recommendations. An independent assessor can recommend an outcome, but does not grant approval.

If the application is not approved

The agency should explain the decision and the reasons for it in writing, along with any review, representation or complaints route that applies. The available process depends on the agency and the circumstances, so check the written decision carefully. A complaint process cannot normally be used simply to replace a professional judgement with a preferred one, but it can address procedural errors, missing information or inaccurate recording.

Safeguarding information is sensitive personal data and should be handled securely. You can ask how it has been recorded, who will receive it and how long it will be retained, subject to applicable safeguarding and data-protection requirements. If the concern is difficult to understand or respond to, consider taking independent advice before submitting representations. Being open, accurate and focused on the child’s safety is usually the most constructive way to participate in the process.