Fostering allegations and complaints
Being matched with the most suitable fostering agency reduces the risks.
Allegations and complaints are distressing and they should be dealt with fairly, confidentially and impartially.
The same abuse that can occur within birth families can occur in foster families. A foster child might make a false allegation of abuse because they misinterpret an innocent action, or as a way of exercising some control over life, or to try and end a foster placement without losing face.
Risk reduction
• Have confidence in the support and training provided by your agency.
• Recognise the people in the foster home who are potential risks or may be vulnerable to allegations.
• Know the fostering agency’s policy and procedure for investigating allegations.
• Always record daily events.
• Be clear and consistent about the home rules and boundaries for ways of behaving.
• All foster carers must have a family safe care policy for keeping everyone safe.
• Foster carers need a good support network.
• Training is very important.
• Keeping everyone safe means working closely with the fostering agency.
Allegations
If an allegation is made about another person’s behaviour towards a child, a foster carer must inform their fostering social worker and the child’s local authority social worker.
If allegations are made against a foster carer to a social worker, the social worker has a responsibility to make the foster carer aware. However, the details of the allegations might not be disclosed
Using our fostering agency matching service is free and it takes under a minute to complete the form.