Foster carers are at risk of allegations. That is a fact and whilst being an unwelcome one, thinking about it is a way of coping with an actual Allegation or the thought of one. Not all Foster carers will experience an allegation being made against them, but some will. And this is a reality of fostering. A carer might have been fostering for many years without incident and quite suddenly, and most often unexpectedly, an allegation is made against them. It’s a perfectly natural response to be upset and distressed. It helps if a foster carer appreciates the wider context of the work they do and accept having many placements over time will inevitably increase their risk.

Foster an understanding of what an allegation involves.

Firstly, it’s important to understand what an allegation actually is. Put simply, it is an assertion from any individual that a foster carer or any other member of the fostering household has engaged in behaviour that could harm a child. And, if upheld, this would clearly make them unsuitable to be a foster carer, or if involving someone else in the household, for that to be a safe environment. Allegations are more serious than general complaints that might be brought against a carer. And as such, they differ from a standard of care concern.

Foster an understanding of the process. 

It’s very important for a foster carer to appreciate that there is a rigidly defined process that applies equally, consistently, and across the board for all foster carers. The circumstances of each case will obviously differ but every carer should be assured any investigation will be fair and even-handed. It also helps for a foster carer to be aware that investigations can sometimes take time. There will be periods when the carer is waiting to hear about a particular stage in the process. And it’s particularly important a carer understands that their Supervising Social Worker will not be able or permitted to discuss with you all the details of an allegation whilst it is being investigated. 

Once the allegation has been made a process is triggered which will involve the local authority, the fostering service providers well as the police. An agreement will be reached as to how the allegation will be investigated.  When the allegation has been made against a foster carer or member of their family they will be notified verbally and in writing. All investigations will be overseen by the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). They ensure cases are progressed as quickly and as fairly as possible. It is also a requirement that Ofsted be informed of an allegation and they will be invited to send a representative to any meeting – which will also be attended by a carers Supervising Social Worker.

There can sometimes be concerns that a child or young person has been the victim of significant harm. In such a situation, a multi-agency strategy meeting will be held within two working days of the allegation being made. A swift decision will be made as to whether an investigation by Children’s Social Care Services and or the Police are called for. And if it is, how it will be carried out. Depending on the nature of the allegation the Strategy Meeting will also need to consider if the foster carer’s own children need to be included as part of a Child Protection Conference. 

There is also a requirement to inform Ofsted when an allegation is made. A foster carer’s own Supervising Social Worker will attend the Strategy Meeting which may also include a representative from Ofsted. 

Build a career in foster care with Rainbow

To get your fostering journey underway, call us on 0330 311 2845. Most people are eligible to foster. Firstly, you must be over 21 years of age and have a spare room. Fostering can be highly rewarding but can also be challenging. Visiting our website will give you a lot of information about what fostering involves. You will also learn there who is eligible to foster. Please call one of our highly experienced recruitment consultants who will take the time to chat with you in a friendly and informal way about the job of a foster carer. 

More information about fostering is also available at – https://www.fostertalk.org

Typically Rainbow foster carers can earn between £1.5k and £3k a month. This will depend on their level of experience and the nature of the fostering work being done. We currently need applicants from #London #Birmingham #Manchester #Hampshire  And as well as looking for people perhaps interested in general fostering, we are especially keen to recruit to provide care in the following areas:

• foster care for asylum seekers.
• foster care for sibling groups.
• foster carers to support Parent and Child placements.
• foster carers to care for disabled children.

Covid restrictions are always under review. Please check for the latest government advice and guidance in order to keep you and all members of your fostering household safe –  https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/coronavirus Check out our blog on another foster care subject by visiting – http://rainbowfostering.co.uk/foster-carers-can-be-fostering-the-potential-of-their-children/

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