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Contents

1. Introduction
2. Legal and Professional Framework

1. Introduction

Lambeth Fostering Service aims to ensure that children and young people who are looked after by the Council receive the best possible care and have  access to the same opportunities in life as other children. All children and young people who are looked after will be placed in a safe and caring environment.  In most situations this will be achieved by placing the child or young person with approved foster carers.

Lambeth Fostering Service recognises that children's needs must come first and should be met on an individualised basis.  The diversity in ethnic origins, culture, language, religion, and abilities is recognised and every effort will be made to provide fostering placements able to meet the range of needs arising from this diversity.

Potential carers from across the range of cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds and sexual orientations represented within Lambeth will be encouraged to apply to be foster carers. Assessment of foster carers will take place within a framework of anti-discriminatory practice.

Lambeth Fostering Service recognises that children's needs may be best met by placement with family members or friends when this is an available option. The service aims to promote this option while also ensuring consistency of care standards and of safeguards.

The Fostering Service will seek to match children to carers who will enable their needs, as identified in their ICS Core Assessment, Assessment and Progress Record and Care Plan, to be met to the fullest possible extent.

Individuals, couples and families will be recruited and assessed in accordance with the Fostering Regulations 2002 and in line with National Minimum Standards, using the agreed competency framework.

Where the child is of sufficient age and understanding their wishes and feelings will be actively sought and fully taken into account at all stages of planning, placement and review. 

All foster carers will receive support and training from the service to enable them to cope with the complexity of the task required.  Such support will include supervisory visits from Social Workers, regular reviews of development in meeting children's needs, training and financial remuneration.

The Fostering Service works in partnership with all foster carers, their family members and supporters and those of the child's in promoting the welfare of the children and young people who are placed.  In so doing the service will ensure that the skills and experiences of the foster carer are valued and respected.

2. Legal and Professional Framework

The fostering service is provided within a legal and regulatory framework set out within the following legislation: (see links in Relevant Documentation)

• Children Act 1989
• Review of Children's Cases Regulations 1991
• Arrangements for Placement of Children (General) Regulations, 1991
• Care Standards Act 2000
• Fostering Services Regulations 2002
• Adoption and Children Act 2002
• Children (Private Arrangements for Fostering) Regulations 2005
• Fostering Services National Minimum Standards, Fostering Services Regulations 2002

The regulations are mandatory and fostering service providers must comply with them.  The local authority fostering services will be subject to inspection by the Regulatory Authority, to ensure compliance with the regulations.

Lambeth Adoption and  Fostering service is a member of the British Association for Fostering and Adoption (BAAF),  uses the assessment formats provided, and follows the professional guidance set out  by that organisation. Resources including Practice Notes and access to the journal Adoption and Fostering are available via the BAAF website. Please contact your manager for access to the password.

End