(Last reviewed 01/12/2023)
This document must be used in conjunction with the Delegated Authority Policy stored on Base, and the Delegated Authority Decisions Template stored on the relevant agency drive in the folder ‘Forms and templates/Fostering Forms’.
Every child who has been placed with a Positive Aspirations Group Foster Carer for more than 28 days MUST have a Delegated Authority (DA) document signed by the Local Authority. This requirement applies to all children, including those placed under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989.
Delegated Authority ensures that everyday decisions about a child’s life can be made safely and promptly, in a way that supports the child’s emotional wellbeing, stability, and sense of belonging. It also clarifies who holds the responsibility for significant decisions, helping to reduce confusion and anxiety for children, foster carers, and parents.
Local Authority Templates and Agency Templates
Usually, the Local Authority (LA) has its own Delegated Authority template, which the Local Authority Social Worker (LASW) will complete at or around the Placement Planning Meeting (PPM).
- If the LASW does not bring their template to the PPM, then the SSW should use the Positive Aspirations Group Delegated Authority Decisions Template.
- This should be completed collaboratively during or shortly after the meeting and shared promptly with the LASW and the Foster Carers for review and signature.
- Please note that others may also need to sign, such as the birth parent(s) or, where appropriate, the child or young person, to acknowledge understanding and shared agreement.
Delegated Authority for Children Placed Under Section 20
If the child is placed under Section 20, the SSW must:
- Obtain a copy of the Section 20 Parental Agreement.
- Where possible, work in partnership with the birth family and LASW to reach agreements about what decisions the Foster Carer can make without needing to refer to the birth parent.
This process should ideally take place during the Placement Planning Meeting, as parents are often invited. Engaging families in this discussion helps build trust and reassurance, demonstrating that parents remain valued participants in their child’s care and that everyone is working together in the best interests of the child.
These conversations should be handled sensitively, acknowledging that parents may experience feelings of loss or anxiety about their reduced authority. The SSW should use empathetic and transparent communication to maintain respect and collaboration, ensuring that both the parent and child feel informed and involved.
When the Delegated Authority Document is Delayed
If the Delegated Authority decision template is not received in a timely manner:
- The SSW should escalate the delay to the Local Authority Team Manager.
- The SSW should also take a paper copy of the Delegated Authority template to the first statutory review and request that it be signed during the review, ensuring this is recorded (minuted) in the review notes.
Throughout this process, communication should remain calm, respectful, and child-focused. The aim is to ensure that administrative or procedural delays do not cause uncertainty or inconsistency for the child.
Ensuring Foster Carers’ Awareness and Confidence
The SSW must ensure that the Foster Carers have a signed and up-to-date copy of the Delegated Authority decision template.
This is vital so that Foster Carers clearly understand:
- What decisions they can make independently; and
- What decisions require consultation or approval from others.
By ensuring this clarity, Foster Carers are empowered to make confident and timely decisions that support the child’s day-to-day wellbeing, reducing stress for both the carer and the child.
Reviewing and Updating Delegated Authority Decisions
Changes in a child’s legal status, care plan, or family situation may alter who holds authority to make certain decisions. For example:
- Birth parents may lose or gain decision-making rights following a full care order or a planned return home.
The Delegated Authority Decision Template is not a static document. It must be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect any changes in the child’s circumstances.
The SSW should ensure that:
- Reviews of Delegated Authority are part of ongoing supervision and placement review discussions.
- Foster Carers, children (where appropriate), and parents are informed and supported through any changes.
This helps maintain a sense of stability, safety, and shared understanding — key principles of trauma-informed care.
