Fostering legislation in Wales

• The Social Care Wales Information and Learning Hub provides full information about the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 in a user-friendly format.  
• To accompany the Act, Welsh Government have produced Codes of Practice and guidance. Code of Practice 6 (Looked After and Accommodated Children) is dedicated to children and young people looked after and accommodated including children and young people who are leaving or have left care. 
• Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016

Statutory guidance is guidance from the government which helps agencies follow the law. The guidance should be followed unless there is a good reason not to in a particular case.  

• The Local Authority Fostering Services (Wales) Regulations 2018 and accompanying Code of Practice The guidance in this code sets out how local authority fostering services providers and local authority managers may comply with the requirements imposed by the Regulations.
• The Regulated Fostering Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) (Wales) Regulations 2019 and Statutory Guidance This sets out the requirements on independent service providers and the designated responsible individual in relation to the standard of service that must be provided.
• The Fostering Panels (Establishment and Functions) (Wales) Regulations 2018 This sets out the requirements on fostering services in relation to the establishment and functions of fostering panels.
• Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014: Code of Practice 10 - Advocacy This statutory guidance for services only applies to advocacy services for children, arranged by local authorities.
• Welsh Government: National Standards and Outcome Frameworks for Children and Young People
• The Welsh Government Code of Practice on Special Guardianship sets out a local authority's legal responsibilities in respect of assessing and preparing an application for a Special Guardianship Order.
• The When I am Ready Good Practice Guide sets out a local authority’s legal responsibilities in respect of living arrangements to support care leavers who want to continue living with their foster carers once they turn 18. You can find additional information on our When I am Ready webpage.

• Paragraphs 247-261 in Code of Practice 6 talks about foster carers' delegated authority. Delegated authority is all about giving children in care as normal a life as possible, with the same opportunities as other children.
• Children’s Legal Centre Wales information for foster carers about fostering unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in Wales
• Social Care Wales - All Wales Induction Framework for Health and Social Care This included the knowledge, understanding and practice which should be demonstrated over time, by workers who are new to their role. It includes guidance, progress logs, workbooks, resources and a glossary to help you implement the Induction Framework.
• Wales Safeguarding Procedures These detail the essential roles and responsibilities for practitioners to ensure that they safeguard children and adults who are at risk of abuse and neglect.