The fostering sector is regulated by a number of acts and fostering regulations, as well as statutory guidance. They provide the legal and statutory framework for our organisation and its activities. UK Fostering ensures that all legislation, statutory guidance as well as best practice guidelines are adhered to, taking care to implement these into all aspects of our policies, procedures and practices. Below is a brief guide to the main fostering regulations you will come across in the United Kingdom.
Fostering Regulations in the UK
Care Standards Act 2000: The National Minimum Standards (NMS) are routed in this act, as are the inspection regime and the conditions for registration of an organisation.
Children Act 1989: This is one of the most important Acts concerning Looked After Children and the fostering sector.
The Children Act 2004: This act followed largely as a result of the investigation onto the tragic death of Victoria Climbie, and set the foundation for the Every Child Matters Agenda and the 5 outcomes.
The Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011: This is the updated version of the FSR 2002. It provides the regulations for all Fostering Services, including those of the independent sector, as well as those of a Local Authority.
Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010: Only recently implemented, this regulation specifies the requirements for monitoring and reviews of placements of looked after children. The regulation also deals with the responsibilities for planning for children in care.
Care Leavers (England) Regulations 2010: This regulation is concerned with the circumstances and arrangements for young people when they leave the care system.
National Minimum Standards (NMS): This not a regulation, but it is one of the most important best practice guidance within the fostering sector. It provides the minimum standards which are expected for any fostering provider.
Every Child Matters (ECM): Not a legislation, but an initiative from the Government which was first published in 2003. The biggest change resulting from Every Child Matters was the 5 Outcomes of being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution and achieving economic wellbeing.