Exemptions and Extensions/Variations to Foster Carer Approval

1. Usual Fostering Limit on Number of Children

A person may not foster more than three children in each foster home except where all the children are siblings.

In all other circumstances, foster carers may only exceed this number if an exemption has been agreed.

2. Reasons why an Exemption may be Considered

Applications for an exemption will usually be made because of the following exceptional circumstances:

1. The child concerned was previously placed with the foster carers and his or her placement elsewhere has disrupted;
2. The foster carers have special skills to meet the child's needs which are not available elsewhere;
3. The placement of the child over the limit is the most appropriate way of meeting the child's needs arising from disability, race, religion, language and/or culture;
4. The placement is required to keep siblings together.

Applications can only be made with the agreement of the foster carers concerned. When considering an exemption the following factors should be regarded.

1. The number, ages and circumstances of the children concerned;
2. The arrangements proposed for the care and accommodation of the children concerned;
3. The relationship between the foster carers and the children concerned;
4. The period of time over which the placement is likely to last;
5. The likely effect on the children concerned and any other children living in the household;
6. The foster carers' capacity to provide sufficient care for all the children in the placement;
7. The need to safeguard and promote the welfare of the fostered children / young people and any other children / young people who live in the foster home.

3. The Process for Exemptions

3.1 Planned Exemptions

The need for an exemption will be identified at the point when the Placements Section is seeking to identify a suitable placement for a child or children.

Where a foster carer is identified as the most appropriate option to meet the child's needs, and this is agreed by the supervising social worker for the carers and the foster carer, the supervising social worker should consult with the manager and if agreed prepare an application for an exemption.

The social worker(s) to any other child in the placement should also be consulted in order to seek their views on any impact (positive or negative) from a further placement commencing.

All applications for planned exemption for foster carers living in the Local Authority/Trust area must be made in writing, supported by reasons, to the Designated Manager (Exemptions and Extensions from Fostering Limit) for approval. Where the foster carers live in a different Local Authority/Trust area, the application must be made to the manager of the fostering service for that area. The written application will be prepared by the supervising social worker for the foster carers in conjunction with the relevant child's social worker.

The decision whether or not to grant an exemption will be recorded in writing, together with reasons. Any exemption will be specific to a child or children and can be subject to conditions. The Designated Manager will notify the applicant social worker in writing of the decision, and send a copy to the foster carer. This letter must identify all the children who may be fostered by name.

Upon the granting of an exemption, a time limit will be specified and an exemption can only extend beyond that date if the Designated Manager for the relevant Local Authority/Trust area authorises it.

The decision must be recorded.

3.2 Emergency Exemptions

The Duty Manager for the Out of Hours Service can agree for a child to be placed in a foster home above the usual limit in an emergency i.e. without the agreement of the Designated Manager (Exemptions and Extensions from Fostering Limit). This agreement will only last until the next working day.

An application for exemption beyond the next working day must then be made to the Designated Manager (Exemptions and Extensions).

An interim decision by the Designated Manager (Exemptions and Extensions from Fostering Limit) may be necessary pending full consideration of the exemption.

As with 3.1, the emergency and interim approval can only be given by the Local Authority/Trust for the area where the foster carers reside. Depending on the Local Authority/Trust involved, there may be arrangements in place for a Duty Manager within the Local Authority/Trust to agree an emergency or interim exemption. If such arrangements exist, an application for an emergency or interim exemption must be made to the relevant manager in line with their policies. Otherwise an emergency exemption cannot be granted.

Any emergency or interim decisions to grant an exemption must be confirmed in writing and copies of the decision, together with the reasons, must be placed on the child's file and the foster carer's case record. A copy must also be sent to the foster carer.

The decision must be recorded.

4. Review and Monitoring of Exemptions

The Head of Fostering will be responsible for the ongoing monitoring of the exemption.

The designated manager in the Independent Review Officer service will be responsible for recording and ending the exemption when the exemption is no longer required. All exemptions will be sent to the service via a central e-mail inbox: CentralIROService@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk.

5. Extension/Variation to the Foster Carer's Terms of Approval

The placement must also be compatible with the foster carer's terms of approval. If the placement would not be compatible, then an extension/variation to their terms of approval will be required. Urgent variations to the terms of approval can be agreed by the Head of Fostering, pending consideration by a review of the foster carer's approval, however where possible they should be considered by the designated manager.