(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 behalf of the voluntary organisation.
Relevant National Minimum Standards
6.9) Medicines kept in the foster home are stored safely and are accessible only by those for whom they are intended.
6.10) Foster carers are trained in the management and administration of medication. This topic is contained within Health and Hygiene Course. Prescribed medication is only given to the child for whom it was prescribed, and in accordance with the prescription. Children who wish to, and who can safely keep and take their own medication, do so.
6.11) Foster carers keep a written record of all medication, treatment, and first aid given to children during their placement.
Medication
Foster carers must ensure they have clear and accurate information about any medication a child is taking at the time of placement.
Documents where this information can be accessed:
- Initial referral from local authority
- Placement planning meeting/Initial Placement Agreement
- Last LAC medical if the child is already in care
If this information is not provided in writing, foster carers should immediately document it clearly.
Medication must only be administered based on medical advice. This includes prescribed medication or “over-the-counter” medicines recommended by a GP, pharmacist, NHS Direct, or qualified medical professional.
The local authority may delegate authority to foster carers for decisions regarding over-the-counter medication; this must be clearly recorded in the delegated authority template or medical consent document provided by the LA. Any stipulated conditions must be carefully observed.
Before administering medication, foster carers should carefully review instructions and accompanying information regarding side effects or contraindications. If there are any doubts about medication suitability, immediate medical advice must be sought via NHS Direct at 111.
Immediately after administering medication, foster carers must document the medication name, dosage, and administration dates accurately in weekly records and the child’s Health Passport. Full details from GP or hospital visits must also be shared promptly with the family Supervising Social Worker (SSW).
When multiple carers administer medication, all must record consistently in the same place, ensuring the child’s Health Passport remains accurate and updated.
If a young person requires long-term medication, this information, prescribing professional details, and dosage adjustments must be thoroughly recorded in the Health Passport and weekly records.
Supporting young people to responsibly manage their medication promotes independence. Foster carers must consult the young person’s social worker to discuss readiness and safely delegate medication management responsibilities.
Safety of Medication
Both prescribed and over-the-counter medications must be securely stored to prevent accidental ingestion or intentional misuse. Unused medications must be disposed of safely.
All foster carers must complete training on safe medication administration, storage, and documentation, included in the Health and Hygiene (caring for the whole child) course.
Carers supporting children with chronic medical conditions must receive specific training, often available through the child’s medical care provider.
Medication prescribed to a child must never be administered to anyone else. Carers must complete prescribed courses of medication fully, even if symptoms improve early, to prevent complications.
If medication is mistakenly administered or taken incorrectly, seek immediate medical advice via 111. Inform the SSW immediately, complete an incident report, document it clearly in weekly records, and take measures to prevent recurrence.
If adverse reactions or illness occur post-medication, seek immediate medical advice via 111 or, in an emergency, call 999. Immediately notify the SSW, complete an incident report, and document in weekly records.
