Foster Carer Policies and Procedures
Administration of Medication
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 09/05/2025) Underpinning legislation Fostering Regulations: 15 – Health of children placed with foster parents. Children Act 1989: Section 22 – General duties of local authority in relation to children looked after by them; Sections 61 and 62 – duties of voluntary organisations and local authorities in relation to children accommodated by or on...
Allegations and Complaints against Foster Carers
Last Updated: December 4, 2025Purpose In accordance with Regulation 12 of the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011, every fostering service must implement a written policy designed to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. This policy sets out the procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation, complaint, or concern regarding the standard of care provided by...
Annual Review of Foster Carers
Last Updated: October 20, 2025(Last reviewed 25/04/2025) Annual Review of Foster Carers Regulation 28 of the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 requires fostering services to review the approval of Foster Carers within a year of approval, and thereafter whenever necessary but at intervals of not more than a year. A written report of the review must set out whether...
Anti-Bullying & Discriminatory Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 08/01/25) Relevant Legislation & Guidance• Children’s Act 1989, Regulations & Guidance Volume 4• Fostering Service Regulations 2011• National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services, Standard 3• Care Standards Act 2000• Safe from Bullying 2009• Working Together to Safeguard Children, 2018• The Online Safety Act 2023 Policy Statement At Positive Aspirations, we are committed to...
Assessment of New Partners, Family Members, within Fostering Households
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 02/05/2025) Legislation and Guidance Introduction Positive Aspirations recognises that single Foster Carers may build new partnerships and meaningful relationships. The agency will make sure that every approved Foster Carer understands their responsibility to tell the Fostering Service before any change to the composition of their household or any other significant change in their circumstances that could affect their...
Behaviour Management Policy & Guidance
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 12/01/2025) Relevant Legislation & Guidance Standards and RegulationsFostering Services National Minimum Standards (England) 2011: Regulation 13• Standard 3 – Promoting positive behaviour and relationships• Standard 4 – Safeguarding Children• Standard 6 – Promoting good health and wellbeing• Standard 20 Learning and Development of foster carers Guidance for Training and Development and Support Standards•...
Bereaved Family Guidance
Last Updated: August 13, 2025Stage 1 – Trauma‑Informed Rewrite (numbered list in place of bullets) Checklist of things to consider
Changes to Terms of Approval (CTTOA) Policy & Procedure
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 15/05/2025) Legislation and Regulations The Amendment to the Children Act 1989 Guidance & Regulations Volume 4 Fostering Services, July 2013 (pages 5, 15, 18) explains that a review is not required to alter a foster family’s approval. Positive Aspirations Group follows this guidance to make sure clear, compassionate reasoning is given whenever we...
Child Criminal Exploitation Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 18/02/2025) Policy StatementThis policy should be read alongside the agency’s Missing from Care Policy and Safeguarding Policy. Our fostering agency is committed to protecting children from every form of exploitation, including child criminal exploitation (CCE), in line with the Fostering Regulations 2011, the Children Act 1989, and all related safeguarding legislation. We recognise...
Child Sexual Exploitation Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 18/02/2025) Relevant Standards, Legislation & Guidance Standards & Regulations Fostering Services National Minimum Standards (England) 2011:• Standard 4 – Safeguarding Children• Standard 5 – Children Missing from Care• Standard 6 – Promoting Good Health and Well-being• Standard 20 – Learning and Development of Foster Carers Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Care:•...
Child Trafficking Policy
Last Updated: February 18, 2026Relevant Legislative Background Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011: Reg: 11; 12; 13 The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 4 The Children and Young Persons Act 2008 National Minimum Standards: Standards: 4; 5 Sexual Offences Act 2003 Modern Slavery Act 2015 Crime and Policing Bill 2025 The Agency believes that the safety, wellbeing and...
Children & Young People Representations & Complaints Procedure
Last Updated: October 28, 2025This procedure is guided by the principles set out in Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018), which emphasizes the importance of agencies working collaboratively to ensure children and young people are safeguarded, supported through challenges, and given the best opportunity to achieve positive outcomes.If the service falls short of expectations, children, young people, or their...
Compliance Policy & Procedure
Last Updated: October 20, 2025(Last reviewed 25/04/2025) This Compliance Policy sets out Positive Aspirations Group’s commitment to follow the legal and regulatory framework that guides fostering services in the UK. The policy aligns with the Fostering Regulations (2011), National Minimum Standards (NMS), the Children Act 1989 and 2004, and all other relevant statutory guidance. Our goal is to offer...
Concurrent Placement Agreement
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 05/12/2024) When we place a child or young person with foster carers who are already caring for another child or children, we must first thoughtfully consider whether another placement serves the well-being and best interests of the child or children already living there. This consideration should be thoughtfully undertaken by the Referral Response...
Conflict of Interest
Last Updated: August 13, 2025IntroductionPotential conflicts of interest can arise in any service. It is important to recognise conflicts of interest so we can handle them effectively and protect everyone involved. Conflicts of interest, or perceived conflicts, can happen when people hold more than one role and, as a result, cannot meet all of their responsibilities to each role....
Contact with Birth Families
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 08/01/2025) Introduction At Positive Aspirations, we value meaningful, safe, and appropriate contact between children who are in foster care and their birth families. Such contact supports children to keep their identity, understand their heritage, and stay connected with people who matter to them. This policy is informed by the Children Act 1989, Fostering...
Delegated Authority Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025LegislationThe Children Act 1989• Sections 2 to 4A – Parental Responsibility• Sections 20 to 23 – Children Who Are Looked After• Sections 31 to 34 – Care Orders The Children Act 1989 Statutory Guidance Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (2015)• Chapter 3 – The placement, placement plan, and shared responsibilities and consents.•...
Deregistration Policy & Procedure
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 17/07/2025) Ethos of this Policy Deregistration is a significant step, and the Positive Aspirations Group agencies will work in partnership with a foster carer and their family to try to avoid this outcome wherever possible. The agency will maintain open, respectful, and honest communication with the foster carer before any deregistration, clearly explaining...
Dog and Pet Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 09/05/2024) Scope of the PolicyThis policy applies to Applicants/Foster Carers, Members of the Household, the Support Network, Enhanced Support, and anyone who visits the family home who has pets or other animals living in or visiting the home.It explains the assessment process so pet owners can show they act responsibly and, above all,...
Education and Employment Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 11/01/2025) Relevant Legislation & Guidance National Minimum Standards• Standard 8 – Promoting Educational Attainment. Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Care:• Standard 2 – Understand your role as a foster carer• Standard 4 – Know how to communicate effectively• Standard 5 – Understand the development of children and young people• Standard 6...
Effective Management of the Service Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Created 06/04/2023) Legal ContextNational Minimum Standard 25 says that the fostering service must be run responsibly, efficiently and be regularly monitored. Underpinning Legislation: The Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011:• 8 Fostering agency – Registered person – general requirements• 10 Local authority fostering service – Manager• 18 Independent fostering agencies – representations and complaints• 35 Review...
Equality & Diversity Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 11/01/2025) Equality & Diversity Policy(Last reviewed 11/01/2025) Relevant Legislation and StandardsFostering Services National Minimum Standards (England) 2011:Standard 1 – The child’s wishes and feelings and those significant to them.Standard 2 – Promoting a positive identity, potential and valuing diversity through individualised careStandard 3 – Promoting positive behaviour and relationshipsStandard 6 – Promoting Health...
Escalation Policy & Procedure
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Created 08/01/2025) This escalation policy explains how to obtain local authority social worker feedback for foster carer reviews and how to address late or missing child documentation from the local authority. Purpose of Document – Escalation Policy Fostering services must ensure foster carers receive all information they need about the child so they can provide...
Fees and Allowance Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 04/04/2025) Financial Information We understand that money matters for foster carers can feel complex. We are here to reduce confusion and guide you through any financial terms. Allowances for Foster Carers Foster carers receive £462 each week for children aged 0 to 10 years and £490 each week for young people aged 11...
Female Genital Mutilation Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 11/01/2025) Relevant Guidance and StandardsGuidance for Training, Support and Development and Standards for Foster Carers (TSDS)• Standard 2: Understand your role as a foster carer• Standard 4: Know how to communicate effectively• Standard 6: Keep children and young people safe from harm Fostering Services National Minimum Standards (England) 2011:• Standard 4 – Safeguarding...
Firearms and Shotgun Policy and Procedure
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 02/10/2024) IntroductionThis policy explains the responsible ownership, storage, and use of firearms and shotguns—including replica and imitation weapons—by foster carers. It offers clear procedural guidance for assessing and supervising social workers. A Firearm Licensing Supervisor from the Metropolitan Police Specialist Firearms Command provided professional guidance during its development. Legislative SummaryNational Minimum Standards (NMS),...
Five Outcomes in Every Child Matters Example Sheet
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 11/04/2025) Be Healthy Stay Safe Enjoy and Achieve Make a Positive Contribution Achieve Economic Well-being
Flowchart for Assessment of Partner or Family Member joining a current Foster Carer
Last Updated: August 13, 2025Supervising Social Worker is made aware by the Foster Carer of a change in circumstances; a Partner/Family Member wants to be assessed to become a Foster Carer alongside the current Foster Carer. Supervising Social Worker to discuss this with Team Manager, this should be raised in Supervising Social Worker/Team Manager Supervision. Details to be explored...
Foster Carer Charter
Last Updated: August 13, 2025Positive Aspirations Foster Carer Charter (Last reviewed 11/04/2025) Positive Aspirations Group recognises that foster carers should be regarded as full members of the team working with a child. We are a motivated fostering agency that understands the importance of working with our foster carers to provide high quality services and care for the children that...
Frequency of Visiting Procedure
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 09/04/2025) Purpose: To ensure Supervising Social Workers maintain consistent support and engagement with foster carers, children and professional networks, enabling positive outcomes for children in care. This procedure must be adhered to for consistent support, monitoring and safeguarding of foster carers, children in care and their overall wellbeing. The frequency of visits must...
Gang Affiliation Policy
Last Updated: December 15, 2025This policy must be read in conjunction with the other Positive Aspirations Safeguarding policies, because different kinds of exploitation often overlap across categories and areas of risk. Legislative Background Our fostering agency is dedicated to protecting children from all forms of exploitation and crime, in accordance with the Fostering Regulations 2011, the Children Act 1989,...
Health and Safety Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 08/05/2025) Relevant Legislation and Guidance 1. Policy Statement Positive Aspirations is committed to ensuring that all foster homes provide a safe, nurturing, and healthy environment for looked after children. In accordance with Standard 10 of the National Minimum Standards and Regulation 27 of the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011, we ensure that foster...
Holidays and Overnight Stays Risk Assessment
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 08/11/2023) Legislation 2011 National Minimum Standards, Fostering Regulations and the Statutory Guidance for Fostering Services. Standard 7.3 Standard 7.7. Holidays are part of family life, and the agency’s foster carers are encouraged and supported to do so. Experiencing a ‘typical’ family holiday benefits child in a number of ways – it introduces children...
Inactive (‘on hold’) Foster Carers Policy and Guidance
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 25/07/2023) This policy sets out guidance for the different durations Foster Carers can be ‘on hold’ and the actions, which will be taken by Positive Aspirations Group. Positive Aspirations Group acknowledges that there may be reasons and/or circumstances where a Foster Carer may request to be put ‘on hold’ or situations which would...
Induction of Foster Carers Policy and Guidance
Last Updated: November 26, 2025Foster carers need and deserve supportive guidance and supervision so they can provide safe, high-quality care for the children and young people who join their family. Information-sharing begins at the pre-approval stage, when Foster Carers attend training. During the assessment they also complete activities that help them prepare for their role, such as developing their...
Insurance Policy for Foster Carers
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 31/03/2025) What Positive Aspirations foster carers need to know about insuring their home and their possessions Insurance for Foster Carers Insurance is particularly important for Foster Carers and each family needs to ensure that they have a valid insurance policy. For instance, if a foster child lost all their possessions in a house...
Leisure Activities Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 18/02/2025) Legislation and Standards National Minimum Standards (2011): Standard 6 – Promoting Good Health and wellbeing Guidance for Training, Support and Development and Standards for Foster Carers (TSDS) Standard 1: Understand the principles and values essential for fostering children and young people Standard 2: Understand your role as a foster carer Standard 3:...
Looking after a child with additional needs
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Created 28/07/2023) Legal Framework: National Minimum Standards (Fostering)2011 Standard 25.12 The service has the facilities to work with children with physical, sensory and learning impairments, communication difficulties or for whom English is not their first language. Oral and written communications are made available in a format which is appropriate to the physical, sensory and learning...
Matching Policy (Including Placement Procedure)
Last Updated: October 20, 2025(Last reviewed 17/06/2025) Legal Context The Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 Children Act 1989, Schedule 7 National Minimum Standards 2011 Schedule 7 Children Act 1989 The agency is committed to ensuring that it achieves good matching and will consider carefully when assessing and reviewing Foster Carers the appropriateness of their terms of approval and preferred...
Missing from Care Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 12/01/2025) Relevant Standards, Legislation & Guidance Fostering Services National Minimum Standards (England) 2011: Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Care: Children Act 1989 & 2004: Statutory Guidance on Children who runaway or Go Missing from Home or Care (2015) Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 Purpose of Policy Children running away and...
Notifiable Incidents and Significant Events Procedure
Last Updated: December 15, 2025Policy Statement Positive Aspirations recognises that many children and young people in foster care have experienced adversity, trauma or loss, and that foster carers and staff may also be affected by the impact of traumatic events.In compliance with The Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 and all relevant statutory guidance, this policy sets out a clear,...
Parent and Child Payment Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 04/04/2025) Introductions The purpose of the parent and child payment policy is to ensure that the financial support to foster carers and the agency’s expectations are clear. This policy also applies if both, parent and child are looked after. Total weekly payment to the carer is £952 when both parent and child are...
Parent and Child Policy, Procedures and Guidance
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(27/03/2023) Aim: The agencies aim to be able to match suitably experienced fostering families with carers trained, skilled and equipped to meet the complex needs of Parent and Child placements. In order to achieve this and to enable stability and successful outcomes, the agencies believe that robust matching, thorough planning, risk assessment and safety planning...
Parent and Child, and Baby Set-up Allowance for Equipment Policy
Last Updated: March 2, 2026Legislative Summary: Please note: This is a one-off essential allowance for use setting up equipment, for newly approved foster carers who undertake Parent and Child or Baby placements. Purpose: Babies and pre-school children will require cots, baby monitors, highchairs, buggies, car seats, and other related equipment. The focus of this one-off allowance is for the...
Placement End Reflection Policy & Procedure
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 02/05/2025) Children move on from foster placements for many different reasons, whether it be rehabilitation, adoption or placement breakdown. The agency recognises the impact these endings may have upon foster carers and the fostering household. Therefore, we place importance on reflective practice and recommend that where children move on, placement reflection is completed...
Placement Stability Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Created 25/02/2025) Purpose of policy The policy sets out how as an agency we work together with Foster Carers and other key professionals to promote and maintain the stability of all placements for children and young people. It also sets out expectations for the agency and for Foster Carers when a young person’s placement becomes...
Preparation for Independence Policy and Procedure
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 05/02/2025) Purpose of the Policy This policy outlines the agency’s approach to preparing children and young people in care for independence and adulthood. The policy ensures that foster carers and agency staff provide the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to empower young people to transition successfully into independent living while meeting their individual...
Promoting Health and Wellbeing Policy & Procedure
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last updated 03/12/2024) Relevant Legislation & Guidance Children Act 1989Children Act 2004Care Planning, Placement and Case Review 2010The Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011, Regulation 15, 16National Minimum Standards for Foster Carer Standard; 2, 3, 6 and 8Every Child Matters FrameworkWorking Together to Safeguard Children 2018 Introduction Positive Aspiration Group is committed to promoting the physical,...
Quality Assurance Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 25/04/2025) Legal Framework National Minimum Standards (Fostering) 2011 – Standard 25.12 “The service has the facilities to work with children with physical, sensory and learning impairments, communication difficulties or for whom English is not their first language. Oral and written communications are made available in a format which is appropriate to the physical,...
Radicalisation and Extremism Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last review 20/12/2024) Legislation and Guidance Fostering Services National Minimum Standards (England) 2011: • Standard 2 • Standard 4 • Standard 6 • Standard 21 Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Care Relevant Information and Guidance: Protecting Children from Radicalisation: the Prevent Duty (2015); Prevent Strategy (2011); DfE Guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education (2014) Introduction Positive Aspirations...
Recording Policy
Last Updated: September 25, 2025(Last updated 23/09/2025) Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011, Regulation 22National Minimum Standards (NMS) 26, 26.5, 26.6, 30–32 Introduction Everyone who works with children and young people who are looked after shares a responsibility to create a safe, respectful and empowering environment through careful, accurate record-keeping. High-quality records: • Support a child’s sense of identity and...
Recording Procedure
Last Updated: September 25, 2025(Last reviewed 23/09/2025) The Purpose of Recordings Accurate, timely and respectful record-keeping is essential to high-quality, trauma-informed foster care. Records: SSWs therefore work in partnership with foster carers to keep records that are clear, up-to-date, securely stored and that contribute to each child’s understanding of their life. Record keeping is a key element of service...
Recruitment and Assessment Policy
Last Updated: October 30, 2025(Last reviewed 30/05/2025) Underpinning Legislation (All statutory references are reproduced verbatim and in full compliance with the instruction not to alter legal wording.) Purpose of this Policy This document guides staff in making fair, trauma-informed, and child-centred decisions about the suitability of prospective foster carers (“enquirers”). It provides a consistent framework while recognising that every...
Recruitment and Assessment Procedure
Last Updated: October 23, 2025(Last reviewed 30/05/2025) Underpinning Legislation: This procedure is designed to guide and encourage everyone who is interested in becoming a foster carer with any of the Positive Aspirations Group’s agencies. It describes each step from the first enquiry through to a possible approval as a foster carer. Please read this procedure alongside the Positive Aspirations...
Recruitment Flow Chart
Last Updated: August 13, 2025Recruitment Flow Chart Enquiry comes inSource: Indeed/ Refer a friend/ Facebook/ GoogleEntered on Pipedrive Organise dog assessment if needed(for households with any of the previously prohibited breeds or if they have more than 2 dogs).By Recruitment Team Initial contact to assess or notBy Recruitment Team Offer Initial visit, if suitableWhen completed, mark as done on...
Reporting Incidents
Last Updated: September 25, 2025(Last reviewed 18/08/2025) PurposeThis policy sets out how we report, record, and manage incidents in line with The Fostering Regulations (2011), the National Minimum Standards (NMS) for Fostering Services, and Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018).As an Independent Fostering Service Provider, the Agency must have clear procedures that keep children and young people safe.Therefore, the...
Representations and Complaints Procedure
Last Updated: October 28, 2025(Last reviewed 15/10/2025) The agency is committed to continually monitoring and improving the quality of the service we provide. We welcome all feedback, including complaints. You can help us by sharing what you think. We value your comments and see them as a positive way forward. We aim to resolve most issues informally and quickly....
Resignation and Transferring Procedure
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 11/01/2025) Procedure when no child is in placement The Foster Carer should inform the agency in writing that they are considering transferring to another fostering agency, giving 28 days’ notice. A Foster Carer cannot be approved by more than one fostering service at the same time, so they must not be approved by...
Respite Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 12/01/2025) Policy StatementFostering can be demanding, and the legislative framework recognises the need for structured, formal support.Positive Aspirations Group recognises that Foster Carers may need time to rest and restore their emotional capacity when caring for children with complex needs, and will make every reasonable effort to arrange alternative care when requested. However,...
Respite Procedure
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 25/04/2025) As soon as a Supervising Social Worker becomes aware that a Foster Carer may need respite, they must consult the Positive Aspirations Respite Policy and the Respite Risk Assessment Template. Introduction When respite cannot be avoided, the agency’s policy is that, whenever possible, the child should be cared for by a familiar...
Restraint Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 24/12/2024) Purpose of the Policy This policy sets out the agency’s approach to the use of restraint in accordance with legislation and statutory guidance.It aims to safeguard children while supporting foster carers to respond to challenging behaviour in safe, respectful ways.Specifically, Regulation 13 of the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 requires the agency...
Risk Assessment and Risk Management Policy (Matrix)
Last Updated: October 20, 2025(Last reviewed 27/05/2025) Underpinning Regulations and Guidance The Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011: National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services (England) Regulations (2011): Children Act 1989: Guidance and Regulations: Volume 4Children Act 2004Children and Young Persons Act 2008Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018Department for Education Guidance on Information Sharing: Advice for Practitioners Providing Safeguarding Services 2015United...
Safeguarding Policy
Last Updated: October 20, 2025(Last reviewed 08/05/2025) IntroductionPositive Aspirations is dedicated to making sure every child in our care is safe from harm. The agency recognises that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and is committed to nurturing a culture of safety, respect, and compassion for the children we support. This policy sets out our approach to safeguarding children, in line...
Safer Recruitment Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 08/01/2025) IntroductionThe agency is committed to keeping children and young people safe and well. This Safer Recruitment Policy explains the steps we take to make sure all staff and foster carers are recruited safely and are well-suited to work with children. Key Legislation PrinciplesThe agency has an ongoing commitment to safeguarding and protecting...
Self-Harm Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 27/05/2025) Relevant Legislation & GuidanceStandards and RegulationsFostering Services National Minimum Standards (England) 2011: Introduction The agency is committed to always protecting and promoting every child’s or young person’s safety, wellbeing and best interests. All staff members and carers must promptly report any incident or concern about a child’s or young person’s welfare. This...
Sexual Health and Relationships Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 05/01/2025) Standards and Regulations Fostering Services National Minimum Standards (England) 2011:• **Standard 1 – **The child’s wishes and feelings, and the views of people important to them.• **Standard 6 – **Promoting Health and Well-being. Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Care:• **Standard 2 – **Understanding your role as a foster carer.• **Standard...
Smoking & E-cigarettes Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 19/09/2023) Introduction This document sets out the agency’s policy in relation to smoking by staff, those living in fostering households and young people in placement. It takes account of the Fostering Services National Minimum Standards, the Health Act 2006 and BAAF’s 2007 Practice Note about smoking and looked after children. Smoking and exposure...
Social Media Prospective Applicants and Foster Carers Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 11/01/2025) LegislationThe law does not require social-media and internet checks to be undertaken on prospective foster carers. However, Regulation 26(2)(c) of the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 (as amended) permits the fostering service to obtain “any other information considered relevant”. This links to Standard 2 (Promoting a positive identity, potential and valuing diversity...
Standards of Care: Foster Carer Investigation Policy
Last Updated: September 5, 2025(Last reviewed 29/08/2025) Key Legislation and Guidance When reading this policy, please also see the Safeguarding Policy and the Allegations & Complaints Policy & Procedure. Introduction The agency is committed to offering the highest standards of care for children and young people who are looked after. Children and young people have the right to feel...
Staying Put Policy (Inc. Flowchart)
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 19/05/2025) Background The Children and Young Persons Act 2008, the statutory Guidance & Regulations 2010, and the Staying Put Guidance 2013 all highlight the need for a gradual, well-planned transition to adulthood. The average age at which young people leave home is increasing, and the path to adulthood is becoming more complex and...
Step-Across Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025Step-Across Policy (Last review 12/01/2025) Aim:The agencies are committed to creating thoughtful matches that enable children and young people to move from residential to family-based fostering placements (“step-across”) or to transition (“step-down”) from secure to specialist fostering arrangements to suitably experienced fostering families whose Foster Carers are trained, skilled and equipped to meet each child...
Supervision and Support of Foster Carers Policy
Last Updated: October 20, 2025(Last reviewed 04/02/2025) Relevant Legislation & Guidance STANDARD 21 – Supervision and Support of Foster Carers – Foster Carers receive the guidance and supervision they need so they can provide safe, nurturing care for each child placed with them. Policy Statement The agency is responsible to local authorities for the quality of care that children...
Training & Development Policy
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 21/05/2025) The Positive Aspirations Group is a learning organisation that places a strong emphasis on the growth of Foster Carers and staff, values innovation and creativity, adapts to change, and continually improves how we function. Legislation Fostering Services (England) Regulations (2011)Regulation 17National Minimum Standards The Positive Aspirations Group encourages and supports Foster Carers...
Training, Support and Development Standards (TSDS) Extension
Last Updated: August 13, 2025Policy and Procedure (Last reviewed 14/03/2025) 1. Purpose This policy explains the criteria and process for providing an extension to foster carers who need more time to complete the Training, Support and Development (TSD) Standards beyond the usual 12-month timeframe for approved foster carers. 2. Scope This policy applies to all foster carers approved by...
Unannounced Visits
Last Updated: August 13, 2025(Last reviewed 12/01/2025) · Unannounced visits to foster carers are scheduled for 11 months so that they are completed within the year. · The Supervising Social Worker (SSW) must make sure they carry out at least two unannounced visits each year. The dates of these visits are set up by Support Services and added to...
Whistle-blowing Policy
Last Updated: December 15, 2025The PA Group – Agency designated whistleblowing leads are: GLF Safeguarding Officer is: Rahima Kadir: rahima.kadir@greaterlondonfostering.org 07795 632 042 GLF whistleblowing officers are: Melanie Yearwood: Melanie@positiveaspirations.co.uk 07880 315 967 Rahima Kadir: rahima.kadir@greaterlondonfostering.org 07795 632 042 Fostering Hearts Safeguarding Officer is: Emma Rawlinson: Emma@fosteringhearts.co.uk 07782 190 883 Fostering Hearts whistleblowing officers are: Melanie Yearwood: Melanie@positiveaspirations.co.uk 07880...