Who makes the final approval decision at an independent fostering agency?
At an independent fostering agency, the agency decision-maker makes the final approval decision, taking account of the fostering panel’s recommendation and the completed assessment. The panel considers whether you meet the required standards, but it does not make the final decision itself.
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The agency decision-maker (ADM) is the person legally responsible for deciding whether an applicant is suitable to foster and, if so, what approval terms should apply. The ADM is separate from the assessing social worker and from the fostering panel, so the decision is not made by one person based solely on the assessment interview or panel meeting.
What the decision is based on
Before a decision is reached, the agency will normally have gathered evidence through the full assessment process. This may include information about your identity, health, household, relationships, experience, finances, home environment, safeguarding background and ability to meet the needs of children. References, statutory checks, training records and the assessing social worker’s report also form part of the information considered.
The ADM reviews this evidence alongside the panel’s recommendation. They must consider whether the assessment demonstrates that you can meet the fostering standards and provide safe, consistent care. The ADM may agree with the recommendation, or may reach a different conclusion where the evidence justifies doing so.
What the fostering panel does
The panel provides an independent, structured examination of the application. Panel members ask questions, explore the assessment and identify any strengths, gaps or matters requiring clarification. Its recommendation is important, but the panel does not hold the final legal responsibility for approving a foster carer.
The panel may recommend approval, recommend that the applicant is not approved, or recommend approval subject to particular terms. Those terms can describe matters such as the number of children who may be placed, their age range, whether approval is for a particular type of placement, and any relevant care needs the carer is assessed to manage. The ADM considers the proposed terms as well as the question of approval itself.
If the decision-maker disagrees with the recommendation
The ADM should give proper consideration to the panel’s reasoning rather than treating it as a formality. If the ADM is minded not to approve an applicant, or intends to approve with terms that the applicant believes are unsuitable, the agency must follow the relevant notification and representations process.
The applicant should receive written information explaining the proposed decision and the reasons for it. They are generally given the opportunity to make representations to the fostering service or to request consideration by the Independent Review Mechanism, subject to the applicable rules and timescales. Any representations or review outcome must then be taken into account before the agency reaches its final decision.
How the outcome is communicated
Once the decision has been made, the agency should provide written confirmation of the outcome. If approval is granted, the notice should set out the approval terms so that everyone understands the type of placements being considered. If approval is refused, the reasons and the available route for representations or review should be explained.
Approval does not mean that every possible placement will be suitable. Matching decisions are considered separately, using the child’s needs, the approved carer’s skills, household circumstances and the terms of approval. Likewise, a later change in circumstances may require the approval terms to be reviewed.
Questions worth asking the agency
- Who acts as the agency decision-maker, and what independence do they have from the assessment?
- How will the panel’s recommendation and any concerns raised at panel be shared with you?
- What approval terms are being proposed, and how were they decided?
- What written reasons will be provided if the proposed outcome is not approval?
- What is the agency’s process for making representations or requesting an independent review?
A reputable independent fostering agency should be able to explain this decision-making structure clearly. Understanding the separate roles of the assessing social worker, fostering panel and agency decision-maker helps applicants know who is responsible for each stage and what options exist if they disagree with the proposed outcome.
The agency decision-maker’s role is to make an accountable decision, rather than simply endorse the fostering panel’s recommendation. They review the assessment record, the panel’s reasons and any relevant information provided by the applicant before deciding whether the evidence supports approval.
This distinction matters because approval is granted on defined terms, not as a general permission to accept any placement. The decision should make clear the type of fostering the carer is approved to undertake, so that future placement discussions can be assessed against the carer’s experience, skills and household circumstances.
Before accepting the outcome, check that the written decision accurately records:
- whether approval has been granted;
- the specific approval terms;
- any conditions or limitations attached to those terms; and
- the reasons and next steps if the decision is not the one recommended or expected.
Ask about the fostering approval process
If you are considering applying, contact Become A Foster Family to discuss your circumstances and the steps involved in the approval process. You can ask what information to prepare before deciding whether to proceed.