What is delegated authority in short-term fostering?

Delegated authority is a written, placement-specific framework that sets out which decisions a foster carer may make for a child in their care. In short-term fostering, it is particularly important because arrangements may need to be put in place quickly while assessments, court proceedings or longer-term plans are still being considered.

The authority given to a foster carer should be agreed before, or as soon as possible after, the placement begins. It should be recorded in the child’s placement plan and explained clearly by the supervising social worker or the child’s social worker. The plan should reflect the child’s age, understanding, wishes, needs, risks and existing relationships, rather than applying the same rules to every child.

What delegated authority can cover

Depending on the child’s circumstances, carers may be authorised to make routine decisions such as:

• agreeing ordinary outings, activities, hobbies and social arrangements;
• giving permission for school trips, clubs or other activities;
• buying ordinary clothing, equipment and personal items;
• supporting attendance at school and communicating with education staff about day-to-day matters;
• consenting to routine health or dental appointments where this has been agreed;
• making practical decisions about the child’s daily routine, meals, bedtime and personal care; and
• allowing appropriate contact with friends or relatives where this is consistent with the contact arrangements.

The exact scope can be wider or narrower. For example, one child may be able to attend a local activity with the carer’s consent, while another may need additional safeguards because of known risks. A child’s placement plan should therefore be checked rather than relying on assumptions about what foster carers can normally agree.

Decisions that usually need further permission

Delegated authority does not normally allow a foster carer to make major decisions affecting a child’s identity, legal status or long-term care. These may include changing the child’s name, applying for or renewing a passport, taking the child abroad, changing religion, moving school, agreeing significant medical treatment or changing established contact arrangements.

Some decisions may require the agreement of the person with parental responsibility, the local authority, a court or another professional. The relevant requirement can depend on whether the child is looked after under a voluntary arrangement, subject to a care order or affected by specific court directions. A court order or the child’s care plan may restrict what can be delegated, so the placement plan must be read alongside those documents.

Foster carers should also avoid making a significant decision simply because it appears practical or beneficial. If the decision is not clearly covered, the safest approach is to ask the supervising social worker or the child’s social worker before proceeding. Where there is an immediate risk to the child’s safety, the carer should follow the emergency instructions and safeguarding procedures provided by the fostering service.

How delegated authority is agreed

• The child’s social worker identifies the decisions that may arise during the placement.
• The social worker considers the child’s legal status, care plan, wishes, risks and relationships.
• The carer, social workers and relevant people with parental responsibility discuss what can be agreed routinely and what requires consultation.
• The decisions and any limitations are recorded in the placement plan and explained to the carer.
• The arrangement is reviewed if the child’s circumstances, placement, behaviour, health or legal position changes.

In some cases, the child should be involved in the discussion. Children and young people should be helped to understand who can make decisions for them and how their views will be considered. Their age and level of understanding will affect how much responsibility they can take for everyday choices, even where the formal authority rests with an adult.

Why this matters in a short-term placement

Clear delegated authority helps a child experience ordinary routines without unnecessary delays or repeated requests for approval. It can also prevent confusion between foster carers, parents, schools, health professionals and social workers. This is important when a placement is being arranged at short notice or when several professionals are involved.

It does not remove the need for communication. Foster carers should share relevant information about decisions they make, particularly where an activity, injury, health concern, change in behaviour or contact issue may affect the child’s care plan. Keeping accurate records of appointments, permissions, incidents and significant conversations helps everyone understand what happened and why.

What to ask before accepting a placement

Before agreeing to a short-term placement, ask for clear information about:

• which everyday decisions you can make without asking for approval;
• whether you can consent to routine medical, dental or school matters;
• any restrictions on activities, travel, photography, social media or overnight stays;
• the arrangements for contact with parents, relatives and other important people;
• who must be contacted when a decision is not covered; and
• how urgent decisions should be handled outside the usual planning process.

If the written plan is unclear or does not reflect what has been discussed, raise this with the fostering team before relying on it. The local fostering team can help explain the arrangements and provide ongoing guidance during the placement. Delegated authority should give foster carers a clear basis for day-to-day care while preserving the child’s legal safeguards and ensuring that important decisions are made by the appropriate person.