§ 38. Mr. ShawTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he takes to monitor the safety of privately fostered children. [26398]
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§ Jacqui SmithOnce a local authority has been notified of a private fostering arrangement it is required under the Children Act 1989 to be satisfied that the foster parents, household and accommodation are satisfactory and that the welfare of the child is being safeguarded and promoted.
The private fostering arrangement has to be monitored by the local authority, through supervising, regulating and advising the foster carers and parents. The local authority is required to visit at specified intervals and to report on these visits. They have the power to impose requirements, or if there are serious concerns, to prohibit the fostering arrangement.
A chief inspector's letter was issued in 2000 reminding local authorities of their duties for supervising children placed in private foster arrangements.
The chief inspector heads the social service inspectorate, (SSI) a professional division of the Department, and independent of the local authority, voluntary and private sector providers of social services. The SSI is responsible for inspecting local council personal social services provision and its organisation and management in order to promote quality standards, improve effectiveness and efficiency, and ensure the safety and well-being of service users.