Welsh Statutory Instrument 2003 No. 237 (W.35)

      The Fostering Services (Wales) Regulations 2003

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      STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS

      2003 No. 237 (W.35)

      SOCIAL CARE, WALES

      CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS, WALES

      The Fostering Services (Wales) Regulations 2003

        Made 6th February 2003 
        Coming into force 1st April 2003 


      ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS


      PART I - 

      GENERAL
      1. Citation, commencement and application
      2. Interpretation
      3. Statement of purpose and children's guide
      4. Review of statement of purpose and children's guide

      PART II - 

      REGISTERED PERSONS AND MANAGEMENT OF LOCAL AUTHORITY FOSTERING SERVICE
      5. Fostering agency  -  fitness of provider
      6. Fostering agency  -  appointment of manager
      7. Fostering agency  -  fitness of manager
      8. Registered person  -  general requirements
      9. Notification of offences
      10. Local authority fostering service-manager

      PART III - 

      CONDUCT OF FOSTERING SERVICE
      11. Independent fostering agency  -  duty to secure welfare
      12. Arrangements for the protection of children
      13. Behaviour management and absence from foster parent's home
      14. Duty to promote contact
      15. Health of children placed with foster parents
      16. Education, employment and leisure activities
      17. Support, training and information for foster parents
      18. Independent fostering agencies  -  complaints and representations
      19. Staffing of fostering service
      20. Fitness of workers
      21. Employment of staff
      22. Records with respect to fostering services
      23. Fitness of premises

      PART IV - 

      APPROVAL OF FOSTER PARENTS
      24. Establishment of fostering panel
      25. Meetings of fostering panel
      26. Functions of fostering panel
      27. Assessment of prospective foster parents
      28. Approval of foster parents
      29. Reviews and terminations of approval
      30. Case records relating to foster parents and others
      31. Register of foster parents
      32. Retention and confidentiality of records

      PART V - 

      PLACEMENTS
      33. General duty of responsible authority
      34. Making of placements
      35. Supervision of placements
      36. Termination of placements
      37. Short-term placements
      38. Emergency and immediate placements by local authorities
      39. Placements outside Wales
      40. Independent fostering agencies  -  discharge of local authority functions

      PART VI - 

      LOCAL AUTHORITY VISITS
      41. Local authority visits to children placed by voluntary organisations

      PART VII - 

      FOSTERING AGENCIES (MISCELLANEOUS)
      42. Review of quality of care
      43. Notifiable events
      44. Financial position
      45. Notice of absence
      46. Notice of changes
      47. Appointment of liquidators etc
      48. Offences
      49. Compliance with regulations

      PART VIII - 

      MISCELLANEOUS
      50. Registration
      51. Fees
      52. Transitional Provisions
      53. Revocation

      SCHEDULES

        1. Information required in respect of persons seeking to carry on, manage or work for the purposes of a fostering service

        2. Records to be kept by fostering service providers

        3. Information as to prospective foster parent and other members of the prospective foster parent's household and family

        4. Offences specified for the purposes of regulation 27(7)(b)

        5. Matters and obligations in foster care agreements

        6. Matters and obligations in foster placement agreements

        7. Matters to be monitored by the registered person in respect of a fostering agency

        8. Events and notifications

      The National Assembly for Wales, in exercise of the powers conferred upon it by sections 16(2), 22(1), (2)(a) to (c), (e) to (j), (6), (7)(a) to (h), (j), 25(1), 34(1), 35(1), 48(1), 118(5), (6) and (7) of the Care Standards Act 2000[      1] and sections 23(2)(a) and (9), 59(2) and 62(3) of, and paragraph 12 of Schedule 2 to, the Children Act 1989[2],and having consulted such persons as it considers appropriate[3], hereby makes the following Regulations:



      PART I

      GENERAL

      Citation, commencement and application
           1.  - (1) These Regulations may be cited as the Fostering Services (Wales) Regulations 2003 and are to come into force on 1st April 2003.

          (2) These Regulations apply to Wales only.

      Interpretation
                 2.  - (1) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires

        "the 1989 Act" ("Deddf 1989") means the Children Act 1989;

        "the 2000 Act" ("Deddf 2000") means the Care Standards Act 2000;

        "appropriate office" ("swyddfa briodol") means in relation to a fostering service - 

        (a) if an office has been specified under paragraph (2) for the area in which the fostering service is situated, that office;

        (b) in any other case, any office of the National Assembly;

        "approval" ("cymeradwyaeth") means approval as a foster parent in accordance with regulation 28 and references to a person being approved are to be construed accordingly;

        "area authority" ("awdurdod ardal") means the local authority in whose area a child is placed, in any case where that local authority is not the child's responsible authority;

        "assessment" ("asesiad") is to be construed in accordance with regulation 27(1);

        "child protection enquiries" ("ymholiadau amddiffyn plant") has the meaning given to it by regulation 12(4);

        "children's guide" ("arweiniad plant") means the written guide produced in accordance with regulation 3(3);

        "foster care agreement" ("cytundeb gofal maeth") has the meaning given to it by regulation 28(5)(b);

        "foster placement agreement" ("cytundeb lleoliad maeth") has the meaning given to it by regulation 34(3);

        "foster parent" ("rhiant maeth") means a person with whom a child is placed, or may be placed under these Regulations, except that, in Parts IV and V of these Regulations it does not include a person with whom a child is placed under regulation 38(2);

        "fostering panel" ("panel maethu") means a panel established in accordance with regulation 24;

        "fostering service" ("gwasanaeth maethu") means - 

        (a) a fostering agency within the meaning of section 4(4) of the 2000 Act; or

        (b) a local authority fostering service;

        "fostering service provider" ("darparydd gwasanaeth maethu") means - 

        (a) in relation to a fostering agency, a registered person; or

        (b) in relation to a local authority fostering service, a local authority;

        "general practitioner" ("ymarferydd cyffredinol") means a registered medical practitioner who - 

        (a) provides general medical services under Part II of the National Health Service Act 1977[4];

        (b) performs personal medical services in connection with a pilot scheme under the National Health Service (Primary Care) Act 1997[5]; or

        (c) provides services which correspond to services provided under Part II of the National Health Service Act 1977 otherwise than in pursuance of that Act;

        "independent fostering agency" ("asiantaeth faethu annibynnol") means a fostering agency within the meaning of section 4(4)(a) of the 2000 Act (discharging functions of local authorities in connection with the placing of children with foster parents);

        "local authority fostering service" ("gwasanaeth maethu awdurdod lleol") means the discharge by a local authority of relevant fostering functions within the meaning of section 43(3)(b) of the 2000 Act;

        "National Assembly" ("Cynulliad Cenedlaethol") means the National Assembly for Wales;

        "organisation" ("corff") means a body corporate;

        "parent" ("rhiant") in relation to a child, includes any person who has parental responsibility for the child;

        "placement" ("lleoliad") means any placement of a child made by - 

        (a) a local authority under section 23(2)(a) of the 1989 Act or a voluntary organisation under section 59(1)(a) of the 1989 Act which is not - 

          (i) a placement with a person who falls within section 23(4) of that Act; or

          (ii) a placement for adoption; and

        (b) except in Part V of these Regulations includes a placement arranged by an independent fostering agency acting on behalf of a local authority,

      and references to a child who is placed are to be construed accordingly;

        "registered manager" ("rheolwr cofrestredig") in relation to a fostering agency means a person who is registered under Part II of the 2000 Act as the manager of the fostering agency;

        "registered person" ("person cofrestredig") in relation to a fostering agency means any person who is the registered provider or the registered manager of the fostering agency;

        "registered provider" ("darparydd gwasanaeth maethu") in relation to a fostering agency means a person who is registered under Part II of the 2000 Act as the person carrying on a fostering agency[6];

        "responsible authority" ("awdurdod cyfrifol") means, in relation to a child, the local authority or voluntary organisation as the case may be, responsible for the child's placement;

        "responsible individual" ("unigolyn cyfrifol") is to be construed in accordance with regulation 5(2)(b)(i);

        "statement of purpose" ("datganiad o ddiben") means the written statement compiled in accordance with regulation 3(1).

          (2) The National Assembly may specify an office controlled by it as the appropriate office in relation to fostering services situated in a particular area of Wales.

          (3) In these Regulations, a reference

        (a) to a numbered regulation or Schedule is to the regulation in, or Schedule to, these Regulations bearing that number;

        (b) in a regulation or Schedule to a numbered paragraph, is to the paragraph in that regulation or Schedule bearing that number;

        (c) in a paragraph to a lettered or numbered sub-paragraph is to the sub-paragraph in that paragraph bearing that letter or number.

          (4) In these Regulations, unless the contrary intention appears, references to employing a person include - 

        (a) employing a person whether or not for payment;

        (b) employing a person under a contract of service or a contract for services;

        (c) allowing a person to work as a volunteer;

      but do not include allowing a person to act as a foster parent, and references to an employee or to a person being employed is to be construed accordingly.

      Statement of purpose and children's guide
           3.  - (1) The fostering service provider must compile, in relation to the fostering service, a written statement (in these Regulations referred to as the "statement of purpose") which must consist of - 

        (a) a statement of the aims and objectives of the fostering service; and

        (b) a statement as to the services and facilities to be provided by the fostering service.

          (2) The fostering service provider must provide a copy of the statement of purpose to the appropriate office of the National Assembly and must make it available, upon request, for inspection by - 

        (a) any person working for the purposes of the fostering service;

        (b) any foster parent or prospective foster parent of the fostering service;

        (c) any child placed with a foster parent by the fostering service; and

        (d) the parent of any such child.

          (3) The fostering service provider must produce a written guide to the fostering service (in these Regulations referred to as the "children's guide") which must include - 

        (a) a summary of the statement of purpose;

        (b) a summary of the procedure established - 

          (i) in the case of an independent fostering agency, under regulation 18(1);

          (ii) in the case of a local authority fostering service, under section 26(3) of the 1989 Act; and

          (iii) in the case of a fostering agency falling within section 4(4)(b) of the 2000 Act, under section 59(4)(b) of the 1989 Act[          7];

        (c) the address and telephone number of the appropriate office of the National Assembly; and

        (d) the address and telephone number of the Children's Commissioner for Wales[8].

          (4) The fostering service provider must provide a copy of the children's guide to the appropriate office of the National Assembly, to each foster parent approved by the fostering service provider and (subject to the child's age and understanding) to each child placed by it.

          (5) Subject to paragraph (6) the fostering service provider must ensure that the fostering service is at all times conducted in a manner which is consistent with its statement of purpose.

          (6) Nothing in paragraph (5) requires or authorises the fostering service provider to contravene or not comply with - 

        (a) any other provision of these Regulations; or

        (b) in the case of a fostering agency, any conditions for the time being in force in relation to the registration of the registered person under Part II of the 2000 Act.

      Review of statement of purpose and children's guide
           4. The fostering service provider must - 

        (a) keep under review and where appropriate revise the statement of purpose and children's guide;

        (b) notify the appropriate office of the National Assembly of any such revision within 28 days; and

        (c) if the children's guide is revised, supply a copy to each foster parent approved by the fostering service provider and (subject to his or her age and understanding), to each child placed by it.



      PART II

      REGISTERED PERSONS AND MANAGEMENT OF LOCAL AUTHORITY FOSTERING SERVICE

      Fostering agency  -  fitness of provider
                 5.  - (1) A person must not carry on a fostering agency unless the person is fit to do so.

          (2) A person is not fit to carry on a fostering agency unless the person - 

        (a) in the case of an independent fostering agency, is an individual who carries on the fostering agency; or

        (b) is an organisation and - 

          (i) the organisation has given notice to the appropriate office of the National Assembly of the name, address and position in the organisation of an individual (in these Regulations referred to as "the responsible individual") who is a director, manager, secretary or other officer of the organisation and is responsible for supervising the management of the fostering agency; and

          (ii) that individual satisfies the requirements set out in paragraph (3).

          (3) The requirements are that - 

        (a) the individual is of integrity and good character;

        (b) the individual is physically and mentally fit to carry on the fostering agency; and

        (c) full and satisfactory information is available in relation to the individual in respect of each matter specified in Schedule 1.

          (4) A person must not carry on a fostering agency if - 

        (a) he or she has been adjudged bankrupt or sequestration of his or her estate has been awarded and (in either case) he or she has not been discharged and the bankruptcy order has not been annulled or rescinded; or

        (b) he or she has made a composition or arrangement with his or her creditors and has not been discharged in respect of it.

      Fostering agency  -  appointment of manager
                 6.  - (1) The registered provider must appoint an individual other than the registered provider, to manage the fostering agency.

          (2) Where the registered provider is an organisation, it must not appoint the person who is the responsible individual as the manager.

          (3) The registered provider must forthwith notify the appropriate office of the National Assembly of - 

        (a) the name of any person appointed in accordance with this regulation; and

        (b) the date on which the appointment is to take effect.

      Fostering agency  -  fitness of manager
                 7.  - (1) A person must not manage a fostering agency unless he or she is fit to do so.

          (2) A person is not fit to manage a fostering agency unless - 

        (a) the person is of integrity and good character;

        (b) having regard to the size of the fostering agency, its statement of purpose, and the numbers and needs of the children placed by it - 

          (i) the person has the qualifications, skills and experience necessary to manage the fostering agency; and

          (ii) the person is physically and mentally fit to manage a fostering agency; and

        (c) full and satisfactory information is available in relation to the person in respect of each matter in Schedule 1.

      Registered person  -  general requirements
                 8.  - (1) The registered provider and the registered manager must, having regard to - 

        (a) the size of the fostering agency, its statement of purpose, and the numbers and needs of the children placed by it; and

        (b) the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children placed by the fostering agency,

      carry on or manage the fostering agency (as the case may be) with sufficient care, competence and skill.

          (2) If the registered provider is - 

        (a) an individual, he or she must undertake;

        (b) an organisation, it must ensure that the responsible individual undertakes,

      from time to time such training as is appropriate to ensure that he or she has the experience and skills necessary for carrying on the fostering agency.

          (3) The registered manager must undertake from time to time such training as is appropriate to ensure that he or she has the experience and skills necessary for managing the fostering agency.

      Notification of offences
                 9. Where the registered person or the responsible individual is convicted of any criminal offence, whether in England and Wales or elsewhere, he or she must forthwith give notice in writing to the appropriate office of the National Assembly of - 

        (a) the date and place of the conviction,

        (b) the offence of which he or she was convicted; and

        (c) the penalty imposed in respect of the offence.

      Local authority fostering service  -  manager
                 10.  - (1) Each local authority must appoint one of its officers to manage the local authority fostering service, and must forthwith notify the appropriate office of the National Assembly of - 

        (a) the name of the person appointed; and

        (b) the date on which the appointment is to take effect.

          (2) Regulations 7, 8, and 9 are to apply to the manager of a local authority fostering service, in relation to that service, as they apply to the manager of a fostering agency in relation to the fostering agency.

          (3) The local authority must forthwith notify the appropriate office of the National Assembly if the person appointed under paragraph (1) ceases to manage the local authority fostering service.



      PART III

      CONDUCT OF FOSTERING SERVICE

      Independent fostering agency  -  duty to secure welfare
                 11. The registered person in respect of an independent fostering agency[9] must ensure that - 

        (a) the welfare of children placed or to be placed with foster parents is safeguarded and promoted at all times; and

        (b) before making any decision affecting a child placed or to be placed with foster parents due consideration is given to - 

          (i) the child's wishes and feelings in the light of the child's age and understanding; and

          (ii) the child's religious persuasion, racial origin and cultural and linguistic background.

      Arrangements for the protection of children
           12.  - (1) The fostering service provider must prepare and implement a written policy which - 

        (a) is intended to safeguard children placed with foster parents from abuse or neglect; and

        (b) sets out the procedure to be followed in the event of any allegation of abuse or neglect.

          (2) The procedure under paragraph (1)(b) must, subject to paragraph (3), provide in particular for - 

        (a) liaison and co-operation with any local authority which is, or may be, making child protection enquiries in relation to any child placed by the fostering service provider;

        (b) the prompt referral to the area authority of any allegation of abuse or neglect affecting any child placed by the fostering service provider;

        (c) notification of the instigation and outcome of any child protection enquiries involving a child placed by the fostering service provider, to the appropriate office of the National Assembly;

        (d) written records to be kept of any allegation of abuse or neglect, and of the action taken in response;

        (e) consideration to be given in each case to the measures which may be necessary to protect children placed with foster parents following an allegation of abuse or neglect; and

        (f) arrangements to be made for persons working for the purposes of a fostering service, foster parents and children placed by the fostering service, to have access to information which would enable them to contact - 

          (i) the area authority; and

          (ii) the appropriate office of the National Assembly,

        regarding any concern about child welfare or safety.

          (3) Sub-paragraphs (a), (c) and (f)(i) of paragraph (2) do not apply to a local authority fostering service.

          (4) In this regulation "child protection enquiries" means any enquiries carried out by a local authority in the exercise of any of its functions conferred by or under the 1989 Act relating to the protection of children.

      Behaviour management and absence from foster parent's home
                 13.  - (1) The fostering service provider must prepare and implement a written policy on acceptable measures of control, restraint and discipline of children placed with foster parents.

          (2) The fostering service provider must take all reasonable steps to ensure that - 

        (a) no form of corporal punishment is used on any child placed with a foster parent;

        (b) no child placed with foster parents is subject to any measure of control, restraint or discipline which is excessive or unreasonable; and

        (c) physical restraint is used on a child only where it is necessary to prevent likely injury to the child or other persons or likely serious damage to property.

          (3) The fostering service provider must prepare and implement a written procedure to be followed if a child is absent from a foster parent's home without permission.

      Duty to promote contact
                 14. The fostering service provider must, subject to the provisions of the foster placement agreement and any court order relating to contact, promote contact between a child placed with a foster parent and the child's parents, relatives and friends unless such contact is not reasonably practicable or consistent with the child's welfare.

      Health of children placed with foster parents
                 15.  - (1) The fostering service provider must promote the health and development of children placed with foster parents.

          (2) In particular the fostering service provider must ensure that - 

        (a) each child is registered with a general practitioner;

        (b) each child has access to such medical, dental, nursing, psychological and psychiatric advice, treatment and services as he or she may require; and

        (c) each child is provided with such individual support, aids and equipment which he or she may require as a result of any particular health needs or disability he or she may have; and

        (d) each child is provided with guidance, support and advice on health, personal care and health promotion issues appropriate to his or her needs and wishes.

      Education, employment and leisure activities
                 16.  - (1) The fostering service provider must promote the educational attainment of children placed with foster parents.

          (2) In particular the fostering service provider must - 

        (a) establish a procedure for monitoring the educational attainment, progress and school attendance of children placed with foster parents;

        (b) in relation to school aged children placed with foster parents, promote their regular attendance at school and participation in school activities;

        (c) provide foster parents with such information and assistance including equipment as may be necessary to meet the educational needs of children placed with them.

          (3) The fostering service provider must ensure that any education it provides for any child placed with foster parents who is of compulsory school age but not attending school is efficient and suitable to the child's age, ability, aptitude, and any special educational needs he or she may have.

          (4) The fostering service provider must ensure that foster parents promote the leisure interests of children placed with them.

          (5) Where any child placed with foster parents has attained the age where he or she is no longer required to receive compulsory full-time education, the fostering service provider must assist with the making of, and give effect to, the arrangements made for the child in respect of his or her education, training and employment.

      Support, training and information for foster parents
                 17.  - (1) The fostering service provider must provide foster parents with such training, advice, information and support, including support outside office hours, as appears necessary in the interests of children placed with them.

          (2) The fostering service provider must take all reasonable steps to ensure that foster parents are familiar with, and act in accordance with the policies established in accordance with regulations 12(1) and 13(1) and (3).

          (3) The fostering service provider must ensure that, in relation to any child placed or to be placed with a foster parent, the foster parent is given such information, which is kept up to date, as to enable the foster parent to provide appropriate care for the child, and in particular that each foster parent is provided with appropriate information regarding - 

        (a) the state of health and health needs of any child placed or to be placed with the foster parent; and

        (b) the arrangements for giving consent to the child's medical or dental examination or treatment.

      Independent fostering agencies  -  complaints and representations
                 18.  - (1) Subject to paragraph (7), the registered person in respect of an independent fostering agency[10] must establish a written procedure for considering complaints made by or on behalf of children placed by the agency and foster parents approved by it.

          (2) The procedure must, in particular, provide - 

        (a) for an opportunity for informal resolution of the complaint at an early stage;

        (b) that no person who is the subject of a complaint takes part in its consideration other than, if the registered person considers it appropriate, at the informal resolution stage only;

        (c) for dealing with complaints about the registered person;

        (d) for complaints to be made by a person acting on behalf of a child;

        (e) for arrangements for the procedure to be made known to - 

          (i) children placed by the agency;

          (ii) their parents;

          (iii) persons working for the purposes of the independent fostering agency.

          (3) A copy of the procedure must be supplied on request to any of the persons mentioned in paragraph (2)(e).

          (4) The copy of the procedure supplied under paragraph (3) must include - 

        (a) the name, address and telephone number of the appropriate office of the National Assembly; and

        (b) details of the procedure (if any) which has been notified to the registered person by the National Assembly for the making of complaints to it relating to independent fostering agencies.

          (5) The registered person must ensure that a written record is made of any complaint or representation, the action taken in response to it, and the outcome of the investigation.

          (6) The registered person must ensure that - 

        (a) children are enabled to make a complaint or representation; and

        (b) no child is subject to any reprisal for making a complaint or representation.

          (7) The registered person must supply to the appropriate office of the National Assembly at its request a statement containing a summary of any complaints made during the preceding twelve months and the action taken in response.

          (8) This regulation (apart from paragraph (5) does not apply in relation to any matter to which the Representations Procedure (Children) Regulations 1991[11] applies.

      Staffing of fostering service
           19. The fostering service provider must ensure that there is, having regard to - 

        (a) the size of the fostering service, its statement of purpose, and the numbers and needs of the children placed by it; and

        (b) the need to safeguard and promote the health and welfare of children placed with foster parents,

      a sufficient number of suitably qualified, competent and experienced persons working for purposes of the fostering service.

      Fitness of workers
                 20.  - (1) The fostering service provider must not - 

        (a) employ a person to work for the purposes of the fostering service unless that person is fit to work for the purposes of a fostering service; or

        (b) allow a person to whom paragraph (2) applies, to work for the purposes of the fostering service unless that person is fit to work for a fostering service.

          (2) This paragraph applies to any person who is employed by a person other than the fostering service provider in a position in which he or she may in the course of his or her duties have regular contact with children placed by the fostering service.

          (3) For the purposes of paragraph (1), a person is not fit to work for a fostering service unless - 

        (a) the person is of integrity and good character;

        (b) the person has the qualifications and experience necessary for the work he or she is to perform;

        (c) the person is physically and mentally fit for the work he or she is to perform; and

        (d) full and satisfactory information is available in relation to the person in respect of each matter specified in Schedule 1.

          (4) The fostering service provider must take reasonable steps to ensure that any person working for a fostering service who is not employed by the fostering service provider and to whom paragraph (2) does not apply is appropriately supervised while carrying out his or her duties.

          (5) Subject to regulation 52(7), the fostering service provider must not employ to work for the purposes of the fostering service in a position to which paragraph (6) applies, a person who is - 

        (a) a foster parent approved by the fostering service, or

        (b) a member of the household of such a foster parent.

          (6) This paragraph applies to any management, social work or other professional position, unless in the case of a position which is not a management or a social work position, the work is undertaken on an occasional basis, as a volunteer, or for no more than 5 hours in any week.

      Employment of staff
                 21.  - (1) The fostering service provider must - 

        (a) ensure that all permanent appointments are subject to the satisfactory completion of a period of probation; and

        (b) provide all employees with a job description outlining their responsibilities.

          (2) The fostering service provider must operate a disciplinary procedure which, in particular - 

        (a) provides for the suspension of an employee where necessary in the interests of the safety or welfare of children placed with foster parents;

        (b) provides that the failure on the part of an employee to report an incident of abuse, or suspected abuse of a child placed with foster parents to an appropriate person is a ground on which disciplinary proceedings may be instituted.

          (3) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(b), an appropriate person is - 

        (a) in any case - 

          (i) the registered person, or the manager of the local authority fostering service as the case may be;

          (ii) an officer of the National Assembly;

          (iii) an officer of the area authority if applicable;

          (iv) a police officer;

          (v) an officer of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children;

        (b) in the case of an employee of an independent fostering agency, an officer of the responsible authority;

        (c) in the case of an employee of a fostering agency, an officer of the local authority in whose area the agency is situated.

          (4) The fostering service provider must ensure that all persons employed by him or her - 

        (a) receive appropriate training, supervision and appraisal; and

        (b) are enabled from time to time to obtain further qualifications appropriate to the work they perform.

      Records with respect to fostering services
                 22.  - (1) The fostering service provider must maintain and keep up to date the records specified in Schedule 2.

          (2) The records referred to in paragraph (1) must be retained for at least 15 years from the date of the last entry.

      Fitness of premises
                 23.  - (1) The fostering service must not use premises for the purposes of a fostering service unless the premises are suitable for the purpose of achieving the aims and objectives set out in the statement of purpose.

          (2) A fostering service provider must ensure - 

        (a) that there are adequate security arrangements at the premises, in particular that there are secure facilities at the premises for the storage of records, and

        (b) that any records which are stored away from the premises are kept in conditions of appropriate security.



      PART IV

      APPROVAL OF FOSTER PARENTS

      Establishment of fostering panel
                 24.  - (1) Subject to paragraph (5), the fostering service provider must establish at least one panel, to be known as a fostering panel, in accordance with this regulation.

          (2) The fostering service provider must appoint to chair the panel either - 

        (a) a senior member of staff of the fostering service provider who is not responsible for the day to day management of any person carrying out assessments of prospective foster parents; or

        (b) such other person not being an employee, member, partner or director of the fostering service provider, who has the skills and experience necessary for chairing a fostering panel.

          (3) Subject to paragraph (5), the fostering panel must not consist of more than 10 members including the person appointed under paragraph (2) and must include - 

        (a) two social workers employed by the fostering service provider, one of whom has child care expertise and the other of whom has expertise in the provision of a fostering service;

        (b) in the case of a fostering agency - 

          (i) if the registered provider is an individual, that individual;

          (ii) if the registered provider is an organisation, at least one of its directors or the responsible individual;

        (c) in the case of a local authority fostering service, at least one elected member of the local authority; and

        (d) at least four other persons (in this regulation referred to as "independent members"), including at least one person who is, or within the previous two years has been, a foster parent for a fostering service provider other than the one whose fostering panel is established.

          (4) The fostering service provider must appoint a member of the fostering panel who will act as chair if the person appointed to chair the panel is absent or his or her office is vacant ("the vice chair").

          (5) A fostering panel may be established jointly by any two but not more than three fostering service providers, and if such a fostering panel is established - 

        (a) the maximum number of members who may be appointed to that panel is eleven;

        (b) each fostering service provider must appoint two persons to the panel, one of whom falls within paragraph (3)(a), and the other of whom falls within paragraph (3)(b) or (c), as the case may be;

        (c) by agreement between the fostering service providers there must be appointed - 

          (i) a person to chair the panel;

          (ii) at least four independent members including at least one person who is, or within the previous two years has been, a foster parent for a fostering service provider other than any of those whose fostering panel is being established; and

          (iii) a member of the panel who will act as chair if the person appointed to chair the panel is absent or his or her office is vacant ("the vice chair").

          (6) A fostering panel member must not hold office for a term exceeding three years, and may not hold office for the panel of the same fostering service provider for more than two consecutive terms.

          (7) Any panel member may resign his or her office at any time by giving one month's notice in writing to the fostering service provider.

          (8) Where a fostering service provider is of the opinion that any member of the fostering panel is unsuitable or unable to remain in office, it may terminate that member's office at any time by giving to the member notice in writing.

          (9) A person must not be appointed as an independent member of a fostering panel if - 

        (a) the person is a foster parent approved by the fostering service provider;

        (b) the person is employed by the fostering service provider;

        (c) the person is concerned in the management of the fostering service provider;

        (d) in the case of a local authority fostering service, the person is an elected member of the local authority; or

        (e) in the case of a fostering agency, the person is related to an employee of the registered provider, or to any person concerned in the management of the fostering agency.

          (10) For the purposes of paragraph (9)(e), a person ("person A") is related to another person ("person B") if person A is - 

        (a) a member of the household of, or married to person B;

        (b) the son, daughter, mother, father, sister or brother of person B; or

        (c) the son, daughter, mother, father, sister or brother of the person to whom person B is married.

      Meetings of fostering panel
                 25.  - (1) Subject to paragraph (3), business must not be conducted by a fostering panel unless at least five of its members, including the person appointed to chair the panel, or the vice chair, at least one of the social workers employed by the fostering service and at least two of the independent members, meet as a panel.

          (2) A fostering panel must make a written record of its proceedings and the reasons for its recommendations.

          (3) In the case of a joint fostering panel, business must not be conducted unless at least six of its members, including the person appointed to chair the panel, or the vice chair, and one social worker from one of the fostering services, meet as a panel.

      Functions of fostering panel
                 26.  - (1) The functions of the fostering panel in respect of cases referred to it by the fostering service provider are - 

        (a) to consider each application for approval and to recommend whether or not a person is suitable to act as a foster parent;

        (b) where it recommends approval of an application, to recommend the terms on which the approval is given;

        (c) to recommend whether or not a person remains suitable to act as a foster parent, and whether or not the terms of the person's approval remain appropriate - 

          (i) on the first review carried out in accordance with regulation 29(1) ; and

          (ii) on the occasion of any other review when requested to do so by the fostering service provider in accordance with regulation 29(5); and

        (d) to consider any case referred to it under regulation 28(8) or 29(9).

          (2) The fostering panel must also - 

        (a) advise on the procedures under which reviews in accordance with regulation 29 are carried out by the fostering service provider and periodically monitor their effectiveness;

        (b) oversee the conduct of assessments carried out by the fostering service provider; and

        (c) give advice and make recommendations on such other matters or individual cases as the fostering service provider may refer to it.

          (3) In this regulation "recommend" means recommend to the fostering service provider.

      Assessment of prospective foster parents
                 27.  - (1) The fostering service provider must carry out an assessment of any person whom it considers may be suitable to become a foster parent, in accordance with this regulation.

          (2) If the fostering service provider considers that a person may be suitable to act as a foster parent it must - 

        (a) obtain relevant information, including the information specified in Schedule 3 relating to the prospective foster parent and other members of his or her household and family, and any other information it considers relevant;

        (b) interview at least two persons nominated by the prospective foster parent to provide personal references for the prospective foster parent , and prepare written reports of the interviews;

        (c) subject to paragraph (3) consult with, and take into account the views of, the local authority in whose area the prospective foster parent lives;

        (d) having regard to these matters consider whether the prospective foster parent is suitable to act as a foster parent and whether the prospective foster parent's household is suitable for any child in respect of whom approval may be given;

        (e) prepare a written report on the person which includes the matters set out in paragraph (4); and

             (f) refer the report to the fostering panel and notify the prospective foster parent accordingly.

          (3) Paragraph (2)(c) does not apply where the fostering service provider is a local authority and the applicant lives in the area of that authority.

          (4) The report referred to in paragraph (2)(e) must include the following matters in relation to the prospective foster parent - 

        (a) the information required by Schedule 3 and any other information the fostering service provider considers relevant;

        (b) the fostering service provider's assessment of the person's suitability to act as a foster parent;

        (c) the fostering service provider's proposals about the terms and conditions of any approval.

          (5) Subject to paragraph (6), a person must not be regarded as suitable to act as a foster parent if the person or any member of the person's household aged 18 or over - 

        (a) has been convicted of a specified offence committed at the age of 18 or over; or

        (b) has been cautioned in respect of any such offence which, at the time the caution was given, he or she admitted.

          (6) The fostering service provider may regard a person to whom paragraph (5) would, apart from this paragraph apply, as suitable to act or to continue to act, as the case may be, as a foster parent in relation to a particular named child or children if the fostering service provider is satisfied that the welfare of that child or those children requires it, and either - 

        (a) the person, or a member of the person's household, is a relative of the child; or

        (b) the person is already acting as a foster parent for the child.

          (7) In this regulation "specified offence" means - 

        (a) an offence against a child;

        (b) an offence specified in Schedule 4;

        (c) an offence contrary to section 170 of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979[        12] in relation to goods prohibited to be imported under section 42 of the Customs Consolidation Act 1876 (prohibitions and restrictions relating to pornography)[13] where the prohibited goods included indecent photographs of children under the age of 16;

        (d) any other offence involving bodily injury to a child, other than an offence of common assault or battery, and

      the expression "offence against a child" has the meaning given to it by section 26(1) of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000[14] except that it does not include an offence contrary to sections 6,12 or 13 of the Sexual Offences Act 1956 (sexual intercourse with a girl aged 13 to 16, buggery, or indecency between men)[15] in a case where the offender was under the age of 20 at the time the offence was committed.

      Approval of foster parents
           28.  - (1) A fostering service provider must not approve a person who has been approved as a foster parent by another fostering service provider, and whose approval has not been terminated.

          (2) A fostering service provider must not approve a person as a foster parent unless - 

        (a) it has completed its assessment of the person's suitability; and

        (b) its fostering panel has considered the application.

          (3) A fostering service provider in deciding whether to approve a person as a foster parent and as to the terms of any approval, must take into account the recommendation of its fostering panel.

          (4) No member of its fostering panel is to take part in any decision made by a fostering service provider under paragraph (3).

          (5) If a fostering service provider decides to approve a person as a foster parent it must - 

        (a) give the person notice in writing specifying the terms of the approval, for example, whether it is in respect of a particular named child or children, or number and age range of children or of placements of any particular kind, or in any particular circumstances; and

        (b) enter into a written agreement with the person covering the matters specified in Schedule 5 (in these Regulations referred to as the "foster care agreement").

          (6) If a fostering service provider considers that a person is not suitable to act as a foster parent it must - 

        (a) give the person written notice that it proposes not to approve him or her together with its reasons and a copy of the fostering panel's recommendation; and

        (b) invite the person to submit any written representations within 28 days of the date of the notice.

          (7) If the fostering service provider does not receive any representations within the period referred to in paragraph (6)(b), it may proceed to make its decision.

          (8) If the fostering service provider receives any written representations within the period referred to in paragraph (6)(b), it must - 

        (a) refer the case to the fostering panel for further consideration; and

        (b) make its decision, taking into account any fresh recommendation made by the fostering panel.

          (9) As soon as practicable after making the decision referred to in paragraph (7) or (8)(b), as the case may be, the fostering service provider must notify the prospective foster parent in writing and - 

        (a) if the decision is to approve the person as a foster parent, comply with paragraph (5) in relation to the person; or

        (b) if the decision is not to approve the person, provide written reasons for its decision.

      Reviews and terminations of approval
                 29.  - (1) The fostering service provider must review the approval of each foster parent in accordance with this regulation.

          (2) A review must take place not more than a year after approval and thereafter whenever the fostering service provider considers it necessary, but at intervals of not more than a year.

          (3) When undertaking a review the fostering service provider must - 

        (a) make such enquiries and obtain such information as it considers necessary in order to review the approval so as to determine whether the person continues to be suitable to act as a foster parent and the person's household continues to be suitable; and

        (b) seek and take into account, the views of - 

          (i) the foster parent;

          (ii) (subject to the child's age and understanding) any child placed with the foster parent; and

          (iii) any responsible authority which has within the preceding year placed a child with the foster parent.

          (4) At the conclusion of the review the fostering service provider must prepare a written report, setting out whether - 

        (a) the person continues to be suitable to act as a foster parent and the person's household continues to be suitable; and

        (b) the terms of the person's approval continue to be appropriate.

          (5) The fostering service provider must on the occasion of the first review under this regulation, and may on any subsequent review, refer its report to the fostering panel for consideration.

          (6) If the fostering service provider decides, taking into account any recommendation made by the fostering panel, that the foster parent and the foster parent's household continue to be suitable and that the terms of the foster parent's approval continue to be appropriate, it must give written notice to the foster parent of its decision.

          (7) If, taking into account any recommendation made by the fostering panel, the fostering service provider is no longer satisfied that the foster parent and the foster parent's household continue to be suitable, or that the terms of the approval are appropriate, it must - 

        (a) give written notice to the foster parent that it proposes to terminate the approval or to revise the terms of the approval as the case may be, together with its reasons; and

        (b) invite the foster parent to submit any written representations within 28 days of the date of the notice.

          (8) If the fostering service provider does not receive any representations within the period referred to in paragraph (7)(b), it may proceed to make its decision.

          (9) If the fostering service provider receives any written representations within the period referred to in paragraph (7)(b), it must - 

        (a) refer the case to the fostering panel for its consideration; and

        (b) make its decision, taking into account any recommendation made by the fostering panel.

          (10) As soon as practicable after making the decision referred to in paragraph (8) or (9)(b), the fostering service provider must give written notice to the foster parent specifying as the case may be - 

        (a) that the foster parent and the foster parent's household continue to be suitable and that the terms of the approval continue to be appropriate;

        (b) that the approval is terminated from a specified date, and the reasons for the termination; or

        (c) the revised terms of the approval and the reasons for the revision.

          (11) A foster parent may give notice in writing to the fostering service provider at any time that the foster parent no longer wishes to act as a foster parent whereupon the foster parent's approval is terminated 28 days from the date of receipt of the notice.

          (12) A copy of any notice given under this regulation must be sent to the responsible authority for any child placed with the foster parent (unless the responsible authority is also the fostering service provider), and the area authority.

      Case records relating to foster parents and others
                 30.  - (1) A fostering service provider must maintain a case record for each foster parent approved by it which must include copies of the documents specified in paragraph (2) and the information specified in paragraph (3).

          (2) The documents referred to in paragraph (1) are, as the case may be - 

        (a) the notice of approval given under regulation 28(5)(a);

        (b) the foster care agreement;

        (c) any report of a review of approval prepared under regulation 29(4);

        (d) any notice given under regulation 29(10);

        (e) any agreement entered into in accordance with regulation 38(1)(a);

        (f) the report prepared under regulation 27(2)(e) and any other reports submitted to the fostering panel; and

        (g) any recommendations made by the fostering panel.

          (3) The information referred to in paragraph (1) is, as the case may be - 

        (a) a record of each placement with the foster parent including the name, age and sex of each child placed, the dates on which each placement began and terminated and the circumstances of the termination;

        (b) the information obtained by the fostering service provider in relation to the assessment and approval of the foster parent and in relation to any review or termination of the approval.

          (4) A local authority must maintain a case record for each person with whom a child is placed under regulation 38(2) which must include in relation to that person - 

        (a) the agreement entered into in accordance with regulation 38(2)(b);

        (b) a record in relation to the placement, including the name, age and sex of each child placed, the dates on which the placement began and terminated, and the circumstances of the termination; and

        (c) the information obtained in relation to the enquiries carried out under regulation 38(2).

          (5) The fostering service provider must compile a record for each person whom it does not approve as a foster parent, or whose application is withdrawn prior to approval, which must include in relation to the person - 

        (a) the information obtained in connection with the assessment;

        (b) any report submitted to the fostering panel and any recommendation made by the fostering panel; and

        (c) any notification given under regulation 28.

      Register of foster parents
                 31.  - (1) The fostering service provider must enter, in a register kept for the purpose, the particulars specified in paragraph (2) and in the case of a local authority fostering service, it must also enter the particulars specified in paragraph (3).

          (2) The particulars are - 

        (a) the name, address, date of birth and sex of each foster parent;

        (b) the date of the foster parent's approval and of each review of the approval; and

        (c) the current terms of the approval.

          (3) Each local authority must enter in its register - 

        (a) the name and address of each person with whom it has placed a child under regulation 38(2);

        (b) the date of each agreement entered into in accordance with regulation 38(2)(b); and

        (c) the terms of any such agreement for the time being in force.

      Retention and confidentiality of records
                 32.  - (1) The records compiled in relation to a foster parent under regulation 30(1), and any entry relating to that person in the register maintained under regulation 31 (1) must be retained for at least 10 years from the date on which that person's approval is terminated.

          (2) The records compiled by a local authority under regulation 30(4) in relation to a person with whom a child is placed under regulation 38(2), and any entry relating to such a person in the register maintained under regulation 31(1), must be retained for at least 10 years from the date on which the placement is terminated.

          (3) The records compiled under regulation 30(5) must be retained for at least 3 years from the refusal or withdrawal, as the case may be, of the application to become a foster parent.

          (4) The requirements in paragraphs (1) to (3) may be complied with by retaining the original written records or copies of them, or by keeping all or part of the information contained in them in some other accessible form such as a computer record.

          (5) Any records or register maintained in accordance with regulation 30 or 31 must be kept securely and may not be disclosed to any person except in accordance with - 

        (a) any provision of, or made under, or by virtue of, a statute under which access to such records is authorised;

        (b) any court order authorising access to such records.



      PART V

      PLACEMENTS

      General duty of responsible authority
                 33. A responsible authority must not place a child with a foster parent unless it is satisfied that - 

        (a) it is the most suitable way of performing its duty under (as the case may be) section 22(3) or 61(1)(a) and (b) of the 1989 Act; and

        (b) a placement with the particular foster parent is the most suitable placement having regard to all the circumstances.

      Making of placements
                 34.  - (1) Except in the case of an emergency or immediate placement under regulation 38, a responsible authority may only place a child with a foster parent if - 

        (a) the foster parent is approved - 

          (i) by the responsible authority proposing to make the placement; or

          (ii) providing the conditions specified in paragraph (2) are satisfied, by another fostering service provider;

        (b) the terms of the approval are consistent with the proposed placement; and

        (c) the foster parent has entered into a foster care agreement

          (2) The conditions referred to in paragraph (1)(a)(ii) are - 

        (a) that the fostering service provider by whom the foster parent is approved, consents to the placement;

        (b) that any other responsible authority which already has a child placed with the foster parent, consents to the placement;

        (c) where applicable, that the area authority is consulted, its views are taken into account, and it is given notice if the placement is made; and

        (d) where the foster parent is approved by an independent fostering agency, the requirements of regulation 40 have been met.

          (3) Before making a placement, the responsible authority must enter into a written agreement (in these regulations referred to as the "foster placement agreement") with the foster parent relating to the child, which covers the matters specified in Schedule 6.

      Supervision of placements
                 35.  - (1) A responsible authority must satisfy itself that the welfare of each child placed by it continues to be suitably provided for by the placement, and for that purpose the authority must make arrangements for a person authorised by the authority to visit the child, in the home in which the child is placed - 

        (a) from time to time as circumstances may require; and

        (b) when reasonably requested by the child or the foster parent; and

        (c) in any event (subject to regulation 37) - 

          (i) in the first year of the placement, within one week from its beginning and then at intervals of not more than six weeks;

          (ii) subsequently, at intervals of not more than 3 months.

          (2) In the case of an immediate placement under regulation 38, the local authority must arrange for the child to be visited at least once in each week during the placement.

          (3) On each occasion on which the child is visited under this regulation the responsible authority must ensure that the person it has authorised to carry out the visit - 

        (a) sees the child alone unless the child, being of sufficient age and understanding to do so, refuses; and

        (b) prepares a written report of the visit.

      Termination of placements
                 36.  - (1) A responsible authority must not allow the placement of a child with a particular person to continue if it appears to them that the placement is no longer the most suitable way of performing their duty under (as the case may be) section 22(3) or 61(1)(a) and (b) of the 1989 Act.

          (2) Where it appears to an area authority that continuation of a placement would be detrimental to the welfare of the child concerned, the area authority must remove the child forthwith.

          (3) An area authority which removes a child under paragraph (2) must forthwith notify the responsible authority.

      Short term placements
                 37.  - (1) This regulation applies where a responsible authority has arranged to place a child in a series of short-term placements with the same foster parent and the arrangement is such that - 

        (a) no single placement is to last for more than four weeks; and

        (b) the total duration of the placements is not to exceed 120 days in any period of 12 months.

          (2) A series of short term placements to which this regulation applies may be treated as a single placement for the purposes of these Regulations, but with the modifications set out in paragraphs (3) and (4).

          (3) Regulation 35 (1)(c)(i) and (ii) is to apply as if they required arrangements to be made for visits to the child on a day when he or she is in fact placed ("a placement day") - 

        (a) within the first seven placement days of a series of short-term placements; and

        (b) thereafter, if the series of placements continues, at intervals of not more than six months or, if the interval between placements exceeds six months, during the next placement.

          (4) Regulation 41 is to apply as if it required arrangements to be made for visits to the child on a placement day, within the first seven placement days of a series of short-term placements.

      Emergency and immediate placements by local authorities
                 38.  - (1) Where a child is to be placed in an emergency, a local authority may for a period not exceeding 24 hours place the child with any foster parent approved by the local authority or any other fostering service provider provided that - 

        (a) the foster parent has made a written agreement with the local authority to carry out the duties specified in paragraph (3); and

        (b) the local authority are satisfied as to the provisions of regulation 33(a).

          (2) Where a local authority are satisfied that the immediate placement of a child is necessary, they may place the child with a person who is not a foster parent after interviewing the person, inspecting the accommodation and obtaining information about other persons living in the person's household, for a period not exceeding six weeks, provided that - 

        (a) the person is a relative or friend of the child;

        (b) the person has made a written agreement with the local authority to carry out the duties specified in paragraph (3); and

        (c) the local authority are satisfied as to the provisions of regulation 33(a).

          (3) The duties referred to in paragraphs (1)(a) and (2)(b) are - 

        (a) to care for the child as if the child were a member of that person's family;

        (b) to permit any person authorised by the local authority or (if applicable ) the area authority, to visit the child at any time;

        (c) where regulation 36 applies, to allow the child to be removed at any time by the local authority or (if applicable) the area authority;

        (d) to ensure that any information which that person may acquire relating to the child, the child's family or any other person, which has been given to that person in confidence in connection with the placement is kept confidential and is not disclosed except to, or with the agreement of, the local authority; and

        (e) to allow contact with the child in accordance with the terms of any court order relating to contact or any arrangements made or agreed by the local authority.

          (4) Where a local authority make a placement under this regulation outside their area they must notify the area authority.

      Placements outside Wales
                 39.  - (1) A voluntary organisation must not place a child outside the British Islands[16].

          (2) Where a responsible authority makes arrangements to place a child outside Wales it must ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, that the requirements which would have applied under these Regulations had the child been placed in Wales, are complied with.

      Independent fostering agencies  -  discharge of local authority functions
           40.  - (1) A local authority may make arrangements in accordance with this regulation for the duties imposed on it by regulations 34, 35, 36(1) and 37 and where paragraph (3) applies, 33(b) to be discharged on its behalf by a registered person.

          (2) Subject to paragraph (3), no arrangements may be made under this regulation in respect of a particular child, unless a local authority has performed its duties under regulation 33 in relation to that child.

          (3) Where a local authority makes arrangements with a registered person for the registered person to provide foster parents for the purposes of a short term placement within the meaning of regulation 37 (1), the local authority may also make arrangements for the registered person to perform the local authority's duty under regulation 33(b) in relation to that placement on its behalf.

          (4) No arrangements may be made under this regulation unless a local authority has entered into a written agreement with the registered person which sets out - 

        (a) which of its duties the local authority proposes to delegate in accordance with this regulation;

        (b) the services to be provided to the local authority by the registered person;

        (c) the arrangements for the selection by the local authority of particular foster parents from those approved by the registered person;

        (d) a requirement for the registered person to submit reports to the local authority on any placement as may be required by the authority, and in particular following any visit carried out under regulation 35; and

        (e) the arrangements for the termination of the agreement.

          (5) Where a local authority proposes to make an arrangement under this regulation in respect of a particular child the local authority must enter into an agreement with the registered person in respect of that child which sets out - 

        (a) details of the particular foster parent with whom the child is to be placed;

        (b) details of any services the child is to receive;

        (c) the terms (including as to payment) of the proposed foster placement agreement;

        (d) the arrangements for record keeping about the child, and for the return of records at the end of the placement;

        (e) a requirement for the registered person to notify the local authority immediately in the event of any concerns about the placement; and

        (f) whether and on what basis other children may be placed with the foster parent.

          (6) A foster parent with whom a child is placed in accordance with arrangements made under this regulation is, in relation to that placement, to be treated for the purposes of paragraph 12(d) of Schedule 2 to the 1989 Act as a local authority foster parent.

          (7) A local authority must report to the appropriate office of the National Assembly any concerns it may have about the services provided by a registered person.

          (8) In this regulation, "registered person" means a person who is the registered person in respect of an independent fostering agency.



      PART VI

      LOCAL AUTHORITY VISITS

      Local authority visits to children placed by voluntary organisations
                 41.  - (1) Every local authority must arrange for a person authorised by the local authority to visit every child who is placed with a foster parent within their area by a voluntary organisation as follows - 

        (a) subject to regulation 37(4), within 28 days of the placement;

        (b) within 14 days of receipt of a request from the voluntary organisation which made the placement to visit a child;

        (c) as soon as reasonably practicable if it is informed that the welfare of the child may not be being safeguarded or promoted; and

        (d) at intervals of not more than six months where the local authority are satisfied, following a visit to a child under this regulation that the child's welfare is being safeguarded and promoted.

          (2) Every local authority must ensure that a person carrying out a visit in accordance with paragraph (1) - 

        (a) sees the child during the course of the visit, or if the child is not there, makes arrangements to see the child as soon as reasonably practicable; and

        (b) takes steps to discover whether the voluntary organisation which placed the child have made suitable arrangements to perform their duties under these Regulations and those under section 61 of the 1989 Act.

          (3) A local authority must report to the appropriate office of the National Assembly any concerns it may have about the voluntary organisation.



      PART VII

      FOSTERING AGENCIES (MISCELLANEOUS)

      Review of quality of care
                 42.  - (1) The registered person must establish and maintain a system for - 

        (a) monitoring the matters set out in Schedule 7 at appropriate intervals, and

        (b) improving the quality of foster care provided by the fostering agency.

          (2) The registered person must supply to the appropriate office of the National Assembly a report in respect of any review conducted by the registered person for the purposes of paragraph (1) and make a copy of the report available upon request to the persons mentioned in regulation 3(2).

          (3) The system referred to in paragraph (1) must provide for consultation with foster parents, children placed with foster parents, and their responsible authority (unless, in the case of a fostering agency which is a voluntary organisation, it is also the responsible authority).

      Notifiable events
                 43.  - (1) If, in relation to a fostering agency, any of the events listed in column 1 of the table in Schedule 8 takes place, the registered person must without delay notify the persons indicated in column 2 of the table in respect of the event.

          (2) Any notification made in accordance with this regulation which is given orally must be confirmed in writing.

      Financial position
                 44.  - (1) The registered provider must carry on the fostering agency in such manner as is likely to ensure that it will be financially viable for the purpose of achieving the aims and objectives set out in its statement of purpose.

          (2) The registered provider must - 

        (a) ensure that adequate accounts are maintained and kept up to date in respect of the fostering agency; and

        (b) supply a copy of the accounts to the appropriate office of the National Assembly at its request.

          (3) The registered provider must, if the National Assembly so requests, provide the appropriate office of the National Assembly with such information as it may require in order to consider the financial viability of the fostering agency, including - 

        (a) the annual accounts of the fostering agency, certified by an accountant;

        (b) a reference from a bank expressing an opinion as to the registered provider's financial standing;

        (c) information as to the financing and financial resources of the fostering agency;

        (d) where the registered provider is a company, information as to any associated companies of the registered provider; and

        (e) a certificate of insurance for the registered provider in respect of liability which may be incurred by him or her in relation to the fostering agency in respect of death, injury, public liability, damage or other loss.

          (4) In this regulation one company is associated with another if one of them has control of the other, or both are under the control of the same person.

      Notice of absence
                 45.  - (1) Where the registered manager proposes to be absent from the fostering agency for a continuous period of 28 days or more, the registered person must give notice in writing to the appropriate office of the National Assembly of the proposed absence.

          (2) Except in the case of an emergency, the notice referred to in paragraph (1) must be given no later than one month before the proposed absence is to start, or within such shorter period as may be agreed with the National Assembly, and the notice must specify - 

        (a) the length or expected length of the proposed absence;

        (b) the reason for the proposed absence;

        (c) the arrangements which have been made for the running of the fostering agency during that absence;

        (d) the name, address and qualifications of the person who will be responsible for the fostering agency during the absence; and

        (e) the arrangements that have been made or are proposed to be made for appointing another person to manage the fostering agency during the absence, including the proposed date by which the appointment is to start.

          (3) Where the absence arises as a result of an emergency, the registered person must give notice of the absence within one week of its occurrence specifying the matters in sub-paragraphs (a) to (e) of paragraph (2).

          (4) Where the registered manager has been absent from the fostering agency for a continuous period of 28 days or more, and the appropriate office of the National Assembly has not been given notice of the absence, the registered person must without delay give notice in writing to that office specifying the matters mentioned in sub-paragraphs (a) to (e) of paragraph (2).

          (5) The registered person must notify the appropriate office of the National Assembly of the return to duty of the registered manager not later than 7 days after the date of his or her return.

      Notice of changes
                 46.  - (1) The registered person must give notice in writing to the appropriate office of the National Assembly as soon as it is practicable to do so if any of the following events takes place or is proposed to take place - 

        (a) a person other than the registered person carries on or manages the fostering agency;

        (b) a person ceases to carry on or manage the fostering agency;

        (c) where the registered provider is an individual, the individual changes his or her name;

        (d) where the registered provider is an organisation - 

          (i) the name or address of the organisation is changed;

          (ii) there is any change of director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the organisation;

          (iii) there is to be any change in the identity of the responsible individual;

        (e) where the registered provider is an individual, a trustee in bankruptcy is appointed or a composition or arrangement is made with creditors; or

             where the registered provider is a company, or is in a partnership, a receiver, manager, liquidator or provisional liquidator is appointed in respect of the registered provider.

          (2) The registered provider must notify the appropriate office of the National Assembly in writing and without delay of the death of the registered manager.

      Appointment of liquidators etc
                 47.  - (1) Any person to whom paragraph (2) applies must - 

        (a) forthwith notify the appropriate office of the National Assembly of the appointment indicating the reasons for it;

        (b) appoint a manager to take full-time day to day charge of the fostering agency in any case where there is no registered manager; and

        (c) within 28 days of the appointment notify the appropriate office of the National Assembly of the person's intentions regarding the future operation of the fostering agency.

          (2) This paragraph applies to any person appointed as - 

        (a) the receiver or manager of the property of a company which is a registered provider of a fostering agency;

        (b) a liquidator or provisional liquidator of, a company which is the registered provider of a fostering agency; or

        (c) the trustee in bankruptcy of a registered provider of a fostering agency.

      Offences
                 48.  - (1) A contravention or failure to comply with any of the provisions of regulations 3 to 23 and 42 to 46 is to be an offence.

          (2) The National Assembly may bring proceedings against a person who was once, but no longer is, a registered person, in respect of a failure to comply with regulation 22 after he or she ceased to be a registered person.

      Compliance with regulations
                 49. Where there is more than one registered person in respect of a fostering agency, anything which is required under these regulations to be done by the registered person, if done by one of the registered persons, will not be required to be done by any of the other registered persons.



      PART VIII

      MISCELLANEOUS

      Registration
                 50.  - (1) The "Registration of Social Care and Independent Health Care (Wales) Regulations 2002"[17] are amended in accordance with the following provisions of this regulation.

          (2) In the paragraph headed "SCHEDULES" and in regulations 2(2), 4(2), 4(3), 4(6), 9(b), 9(d), 9(e), 9(h), 10, 12(3)(c), 13, 14, 15(4)(f) and in paragraphs 1(e)(ii), 3(c), 3(d), 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11(a), 12(a), 13, 14 of Schedule 1 and in paragraphs 3(1), 7, 9, 10(1)(a)(i), 10(2)(a), 10(2)(b), 10(2)(c) of Schedule 2 and in paragraphs 3, 6(b), 7, 11 of Schedule 3,

        for "establishment" in each instance where it appears substitute "establishment or agency";

          (3) In regulation 2(1) in the definitions of "registered manager", "registered person", "registered provider", "representative", "responsible individual", for "establishment" in each instance where it appears substitute "establishment or agency";

          (4) In regulation 2(1) in the definition of "service user", for "establishment" substitute "establishment or by an agency";

          (5) In regulation 4(5) and in paragraphs 15, 16(a), 16(d) of Schedule 1, for "establishment" in each instance where it appears substitute "establishment or for the purposes of the agency";

          (6) In regulation 8(1), for "establishment" substitute where it appears "establishment or agency" in the first instance and "establishment or for the purposes of the agency" in the second instance;

          (7) In regulation 12(3)(c)(i), for "establishment" substitute "establishment or for the purposes of an agency";

          (8) In regulation 15(4)(b) and in paragraph 2 of Schedule 2 and in paragraph 10 of Schedule 3, for "establishment" in each instance where it appears substitute "establishment or by the agency";

          (9) In regulation 15(4)(d), for "establishment is" substitute "establishment or the premises used by the agency are";

          (10) In paragraph 1(b) of Schedule 1, for "establishment" substitute where it appears "establishment or agency" in the first instance and "establishment or by the agency" in the second instance;

          (11) In paragraph 2(c) of Schedule 1, for "establishment" substitute where it appears "establishment or agency" in the first and second instances and "establishment or by the agency" in the third instance;

          (12) In paragraphs 5 and 13 of Schedule 1, for "section 4(8)(a)" in each instance where it appears substitute "section 4(8)(a) or (9)(a);

          (13) In paragraph 11 of Schedule 1, for "establishment" substitute where it appears in the first instance "establishment or for the purposes of an agency";

          (14) In paragraph 16 of Schedule 1, for "establishment" substitute where it appears in the first instance "establishment or for the purposes of the agency";

          (15) In paragraph 2 of Schedule 3, for "establishment" substitute where it appears "establishment or agency" in the first instance and "establishment or by the agency" in the second instance.

          (16) In regulation 2(1),

        (a) at the appropriate place, insert - 

          " "fostering service" means - 

          (a) a fostering agency within the meaning of the Act; or

          (b) a local authority fostering service;";

        "local authority fostering service" means the discharge by a local authority of relevant fostering functions within the meaning of the Act";

      (b) in the definition of "appropriate office", after subsection (d) insert - 

        " (e) in relation to a fostering service - 

          (i) if an office has been specified under regulation 2(2) of the Fostering Services (Wales) Regulations 2003 [18] for the area in which the fostering service, as the case may be, is situated, that office;

          (ii) in any other case, any office of the National Assembly.";

      (c) in the definition of "statement of purpose", after subsection (d) insert - 

        " (e) in relation to a fostering service, the written statement required to be compiled in relation to the fostering service in accordance with regulation 3(1) of the Fostering Services (Wales) Regulations 2003;".

    Fees
         51.  - (1) The "Registration of Social Care and Independent Healthcare (Fees)(Wales) Regulations 2002"[19] are amended in accordance with the following provisions of this regulation.

        (2) In the paragraph headed "Arrangement of Regulations", add the following at the end "12. Annual fee  -  fostering agencies and local authority fostering services".

        (3) In regulation 2(1),(a) at the appropriate places insert - 

        " "agency" means a fostering agency";

      "local authority fostering service" means the discharge by a local authority of relevant fostering functions within the meaning of the Act;";

      (b) in the definitions of "new provider", "previously exempt provider", "registered manager", "registered provider", for "establishment" in each instance where it appears substitute "establishment or agency";

      (c) in the definition of "service user" for "establishment" in each instance where it appears substitute "establishment or by an agency".

        (4) In regulations 2(2) and 4(3) for "establishment" in each instance where it appears substitute "establishment or agency".

        (5) In regulation 3 for establishment in each instance where it appears substitute "establishment or an agency".

        (6) After regulation 11 (Annual fee  -  residential family centres), there is to be inserted the following regulation - 

      " Annual fee  -  fostering agencies and local authority fostering services
           12.  - (1) The annual fee in respect of a fostering agency is £ 1,000.

          (2) The annual fee in respect of a local authority fostering service is £ 1,000.

          (3) The annual fee in respect of a fostering agency or a local authority fostering service is to be first payable by the registered provider on the date specified in respect of him or her in paragraph (4)("the first date"), and thereafter on the anniversary of the first date.

          (4) The specified date is - 

        (a) in the case of a fostering agency, on 1 April 2004, or on the date on which the certificate is issued, whichever is the later;

        (b) in the case of a local authority fostering service - 

          (i) in a case of a local authority which is discharging relevant fostering functions on the date on which the Fostering Services (Wales) Regulations 2003 come into force, on 1 April 2003;

          (ii) in any other case, on the date on which such functions are first discharged."

    Transitional Provisions
             52.  - (1) This paragraph applies to a fostering agency falling within section 4(4)(b) of the 2000 Act (a voluntary organisation which places children with foster parents under section 59(1) of the 1989 Act) which has, before the coming into force of these Regulations duly made an application for registration under Part II of the 2000 Act.

        (2) These Regulations are to apply to a fostering agency to which paragraph (1) applies, as if any reference in them to a registered person is a reference to the person who carries on the agency [    20] - 

      (a) until such time as the application or registration is granted, either unconditionally or subject only to conditions which have been agreed in writing between that person and the National Assembly; or

      (b) if the application is granted subject to conditions which have not been so agreed, or if it is refused - 

        (i) if no appeal is brought, until the expiration of the period of 28 days after service on that person of notice of the decision of the National Assembly; or

        (ii) if an appeal is brought, until it is determined or abandoned.

        (3) This paragraph applies to an independent fostering agency which is carried on by a voluntary organisation, which has, before the coming into force of these Regulations, duly made an application for registration, under Part II of the 2000 Act.

        (4) Where a local authority looking after a child is satisfied that the child should be placed with foster parents, they may make arrangements, subject to paragraph (5), for the duties imposed on them by regulations 34, 35, 36(1) and 37 to be discharged on their behalf by the voluntary organisation to which paragraph (3) applies ("an unregistered independent voluntary provider") - 

      (a) until such time as the application for registration is granted, either unconditionally or subject only to conditions which have been agreed in writing between that provider and the National Assembly; or

      (b) if the application is granted subject to conditions which have not been so agreed, or it is refused - 

        (i) if no appeal is brought, until the expiration of the period of 28 days after service on that provider of notice of the decision of the National Assembly; or

        (ii) if an appeal is brought, until it is determined or abandoned.

        (5) A local authority may not make arrangements under paragraph (4) unless they - 

      (a) are satisfied - 

        (i) as to the capacity of the unregistered independent voluntary provider to discharge duties on their behalf; and

        (ii) that those arrangements are the most suitable way for those duties to be discharged; and

      (b) enter into a written agreement with the unregistered independent voluntary provider about the arrangements, providing for consultation and exchange of information and reports between the local authority and the unregistered independent voluntary provider.

        (6) Paragraphs (2) and (4) are subject to the provisions of Article 2 of, and sub-paragraphs (5) and (6) of paragraph 5 of Schedule 1 to, the Care Standards Act 2000 (Commencement No. 8 (Wales) and Transitional, Savings, Consequential and Amendment Provisions) Order 2002 (application by the National Assembly to a justice of the peace)[21].

        (7) Regulation 20(5) is not to apply to any person to whom it would, apart from this regulation apply, if the person is on 1st April 2003 already employed by a fostering service provider in a position to which paragraph (6) of that regulation apples.

    Revocation
         53. The following Regulations are revoked - 

      (a) The Foster Placement (Children) Regulations 1991[22]

      (b) regulation 2 of the Children (Short-term Placements) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 1995[23]

      (c) regulation 3 of the Children (Protection from Offenders) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 1997[24]

      (d) regulation 2 of the Children (Protection from Offenders) (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2001 [25] so far as it amends the Foster Placement (Children) Regulations 1991.



    Signed on behalf of the National Assembly for Wales under section 66(1) of the Government of Wales Act 1998[26]


    John Marek
    The Deputy Presiding Officer of the National Assembly

    6th February 2003



    SCHEDULE 1
    Regulations 5,7,20


    INFORMATION REQUIRED IN RESPECT OF PERSONS SEEKING TO CARRY ON, MANAGE OR WORK FOR THE PURPOSES OF A FOSTERING SERVICE


         1. Positive proof of identity including a recent photograph.

         2. Either - 

      (a) where the certificate is required for a purpose relating to section 115(5)(ea) of the Police Act 1997 (registration under Part II of the 2000 Act)[27], or the position falls within section 115(3)of the Police Act 1997[28], an enhanced criminal record certificate issued under section 115 of that Act;or

      (b) in any other case, a criminal record certificate issued under section 113 of that Act, including, to the extent permitted under the Police Act 1997, the matters specified in, section 113(3A) or 115(6A)of that Act[29].

         3. Two written references, including a reference from the person's most recent employer, if any.

         4. Where a person has previously worked in a position whose duties involved work with children or vulnerable adults, so far as reasonably practicable verification of the reason why the employment or position ended.

         5. Documentary evidence of any relevant qualification.

         6. A full employment history, together with a satisfactory written explanation of any gaps in employment.



    SCHEDULE 2
    Regulation 22


    RECORDS TO BE KEPT BY FOSTERING SERVICE PROVIDERS


         1. A record in the form of a register showing in respect of each child placed with foster parents - 

      (a) the date of the child's placement;

      (b) the name and address of the foster parent;

      (c) the date on which the child ceased to be placed there;

      (d) the child's address prior to placement;

      (e) the child's address on leaving the placement;

      (f) the child's responsible authority (if it is not the fostering service provider);

      (g) the statutory provision under which the child is or was provided with foster care.

         2. A record of all persons working for the fostering service provider, which must include in respect of a person falling within regulation 20(1) the following matters - 

      (a) full name;

      (b) sex;

      (c) date of birth;

      (d) home address;

      (e) qualifications relevant to, and experience of work involving, children;

      (f) whether the person is employed by the fostering service provider under a contract of service, a contract for services, or otherwise than under a contract, or is employed by someone other than the fostering service provider;

      (g) whether the person works full-time or part-time, and, if part-time, the average number of hours worked per week.

         3. A record of all accidents occurring to children whilst placed with foster parents.



    SCHEDULE 3
    Regulation 27


    INFORMATION AS TO PROSPECTIVE FOSTER PARENT AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PROSPECTIVE FOSTER PARENT'S HOUSEHOLD AND FAMILY


         1. The prospective foster parent's full name, address and date of birth.

         2. Details of that person's health (supported by a medical report), personality, marital status and details of that person's current and any previous marriage or similar relationship.

         3. Particulars of any other adult members of that person's household.

         4. Particulars of the children in that person's family, whether or not members of his or her household, and any other children in his or her household.

         5. Particulars of that person's accommodation.

         6. That person's religious persuasion, the degree of his or her religious observance and his or her capacity to care for a child from any particular religious persuasion.

         7. That person's racial origin, his or her cultural and linguistic background and his or her capacity to care for a child from any particular origin or cultural or linguistic background.

         8. That person's past and present employment or occupation, and his or her standard of living and leisure activities and interests.

         9. That person's previous experience (if any) of caring for his or her own and other children.

         10. That person's skills, competence and potential relevant to his or her capacity to care effectively for a child placed with him or her.

         11. The outcome of any request or application made by that person or any other member of that person's household to foster or adopt children or for registration for child minding or day care[    30], including particulars of any previous approval or refusal of approval relating to the person or to any other member of that person's household.

         12. The names and addresses of two persons who will provide personal references for the prospective foster parent.

         13. In relation to the prospective foster parent and each member of the household aged 18 or over, an enhanced criminal record certificate issued under section 115 of the Police Act 1997 [31] including the matters specified in section 115(6A) of that Act.



    SCHEDULE 4
    Regulation 27(7)(b)


    OFFENCES SPECIFIED FOR THE PURPOSES OF REGULATION 27(7)(b)


    Offences in Scotland
         1. An offence of rape.

         2. An offence specified in Schedule 1 to the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995[    32] except, in case where the offender was under the age of 20 at the time the offence was committed, an offence contrary to section 5 of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 (intercourse with a girl under 16[33]), an offence of shameless indecency between men or an offence of sodomy.

         3. An offence of plagium (theft of a child below the age of puberty).

         4. Section 52 or 52A of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (indecent photographs of children)[34].

         5. An offence under section 3 of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2000 (abuse of trust)[35].

    Offences in Northern Ireland
         6. An offence of rape.

         7. An offence specified in Schedule 1 to the Children and Young Persons Act (Northern Ireland) 1968[36], except in the case where the offender was under the age of 20 at the time the offence was committed, an offence contrary to sections 5 or 11 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885 (unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under 17 and gross indecency between males)[37], or an offence contrary to section 61 of the Offences against the Person Act 1861 (buggery).

         8. An offence under Article 3 of the Protection of Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (indecent photographs)[38].

         9. An offence contrary to Article 9 of the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 1980 (inciting girl under 16 to have incestuous sexual intercourse)[39].

         10. An offence contrary to Article 15 of the Criminal Justice (Evidence, etc.)(Northern Ireland) Order 1988 (possession of indecent photographs of children)[40].

         11. An offence under section 3 of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2000 (abuse of trust).



    SCHEDULE 5
    Regulation 28(5)(b)


    MATTERS AND OBLIGATIONS IN FOSTER CARE AGREEMENTS


         1. The terms of the foster parent's approval.

         2. The amount of support and training to be given to the foster parent.

         3. The procedure for the review of approval of a foster parent.

         4. The procedure in connection with the placement of children and the matters to be included in any foster placement agreement.

         5. The arrangements for meeting any legal liabilities of the foster parent arising by reason of a placement.

         6. The procedure available to foster parents for making representations.

         7. To give written notice to the fostering service provider forthwith, with full particulars, of - 

      (a) any intended change of the foster parent's address;

      (b) any change in the composition of the foster parent's household;

      (c) any other change in the foster parent's personal circumstances and any other event affecting the foster parent's capacity to care for any child placed or the suitability of the foster parent's household; and

      (d) any request or application to adopt children, or for registration for child minding or day care.

         8. Not to administer corporal punishment to any child placed with him the foster parent.

         9. To ensure that any information relating to a child placed with the foster parent, to the child's family or to any other person, which has been given to the foster parent in confidence in connection with a placement is kept confidential and is not disclosed to any person without the consent of the fostering service provider.

         10. To comply with the terms of any foster placement agreement.

         11. To care for any child placed with the foster parent as if the child were a member of the foster parent's family and to promote the child's welfare having regard to the long and short-term plans for the child.

         12. To comply with the policies and procedures of the fostering service provider issued under regulations 12 and 13.

         13. To co-operate as reasonably required with the National Assembly and in particular to allow a person authorised by the National Assembly to interview the foster parent and visit the foster parent at any reasonable time.

         14. To keep the fostering service provider informed about the child's progress and to notify it immediately of any significant events affecting the child.

         15. Where regulation 36 applies, to allow any child placed with the foster parent to be removed from the foster parent's home.



    SCHEDULE 6
    Regulation 34(3)


    MATTERS AND OBLIGATIONS IN FOSTER PLACEMENT AGREEMENTS


         1. A statement by the responsible authority containing all the information which the authority considers necessary to enable the foster parent to care for the child and, in particular, information as to - 

      (a) the authority's arrangements for the child and the objectives of the placement in the context of its plan for the care of the child;

      (b) the child's personal history, religious persuasion and cultural and linguistic background and racial origin;

      (c) the child's state of health and identified health needs;

      (d) the safety needs of the child, including any need for any special equipment or adaptation;

      (e) the child's educational needs; and

      (f) any needs arising from any disability the child may have.

         2. The responsible authority's arrangements for the financial support of the child during the placement.

         3. The arrangements for giving consent to the medical or dental examination or treatment of the child.

         4. The circumstances in which it is necessary to obtain in advance the approval of the responsible authority for the child to take part in school trips, or to stay overnight away from the foster parent's home.

         5. The arrangements for visits to the child, in