| 2.1 |
For Fostering Panel to consider approving a prospective foster carer then a completed and signed Form F must be submitted which should contain information regarding CRB checks on all members of the household 16 years and over, health assessments endorsed by the medical advisor on each prospective foster carer, three references (two of which must be non-family ones and include an employer's reference where relevant), health and safety checklist and pets questionnaire (where applicable) and pre-approval training feedback. |
| 2.2 |
Foster carers annual reviews are conducted in accordance with an agreed format (see template) and this should be submitted with feedback forms from: the foster carers, any children (over 5 years) of theirs living at home, the LAC (over 5 years of age), their social workers and IROs. The health and safety checklist and pets questionnaire (where applicable) should be updated annually and included. |
| 2.3 |
Connected person assessments being presented to Fostering Panel must contain all the information that would ordinarily be submitted for approving a prospective foster carer (see paragraph 2.1). |
| 2.4 |
Where consideration of a match of a child under 16 years to a long-term foster carer for a permanence recommendation is required then a matching report (see Matching Report to Panel on Child Requiring Permanent Placement) must be completed and the additional reports listed in Permanent Fostering Procedure included as appropriate. |
| 2.5 |
For any other matters the Panel Advisor should be consulted. |
| 2.6 |
All reports should be counter-signed approved by a manager. |
| 3.1 |
The Panel Administrator (Standards Improvement and Panel Officer) should be notified at the earliest opportunity of an item of business being considered for Fostering Panel. A provisional Panel date will be identified. |
| 3.2 |
The Panel Administrator must be informed at least 3 weeks prior to the date of the provisional date for Fostering Panel given, whether or not the reports(s) are to be submitted. If the report(s) are not able to be submitted then another provisional date for presentation to Panel should be agreed. |
| 3.3 |
All reports must be submitted single-sided and provided to the Panel Administrator by the midday of the first Thursday of each month in order for the reports to be collated, copied and sent out to Fostering Panel members in good time. |
| 3.4 |
The Panel Administrator will send out a reminder to all report authors two weeks in advance of the above deadlines. |
| 3.5 |
The Panel Administrator will consult with the Panel Advisor over any difficulties with the above and to determine each month's Fostering Panel agenda. |
