When a fostering service approves someone as a foster carer, they are required to enter into a written agreement with them – this is called the foster care or foster carer agreement, and it is reviewed annually.
It is a regulatory requirement that foster carers must sign the foster care agreement once approved. All carers will be expected to sign the foster carer agreement before any child can be placed with them. It is important that supervising social workers and foster carers discuss the agreement and that both parties understand the implications of the agreement.
Practice information note
The Fostering Network has produced a Practice Information Note on Foster Care(r) agreements (updated September 2022) for our members. Its purpose is to give clarity on the legislation and provide recommendations for practice.
Members can download the practice information note here
What is in an agreement
Fostering legislation and regulations in each country of the UK set out what must be included in a foster care (or carer) agreement, but broadly they all include:
The name and terms of approval of the foster carer
Foster carer obligations and expectations, including:
- care to be provided to the child
- informing the fostering service of any significant changes in their circumstances
- informing the fostering service of any significant events affecting the child and provide updates on the child’s progress
- maintaining confidentiality
- attending meetings, writing notes, working within the fostering service’s policies and procedures.
Support from the service, including:
- support and training to be given to the foster carer
- procedure for reviewing the foster carer’s approval and terms of approval
- procedure in connection with placing a child and what should be included in the placement plan
- arrangements for meeting legal liabilities of the foster carer arising from provision of placements
- procedure available to foster carers for making a complaint or representations.
As the UK's leading fostering charity we offer practice support to member fostering across the UK.