The Law and Fostering

The main piece of legislation that affects children who are placed in foster care is the Children Act 1989, which says:

• Social Services must work with parents and make every effort to return children to their birth family wherever possible.
• Parents, Social Workers and Foster Carers must work in partnership
• Regular meetings must be held with the child, their birth families, their foster carers, and professionals involved with the child to make clear plans for the future.
• Regular contact must be promoted for the child and their family.

There are also Fostering Services Regulations and Minimum National Standards, which govern how Local Authorities, must work with children who are fostered and their birth families

Can I/We foster?