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4.9.3 Limit on Number of Children in Foster Homes

Contents

  1. Usual Limit
  2. Applications for Exemption
  3. Planned Exemptions
  4. Emergency Placements


1. Usual Limit

There is a usual limit of three children in each foster home.

A child may be placed with foster carers for up to 24 hours without affecting this limit.  In all other circumstances, foster carers may only exceed this number if an exemption has been agreed.


2. Applications for Exemptions

All applications for exemption for foster carers living in Enfield must be made in writing, supported by reasons, to the Fostering Panel.  The recommendation of the Fostering Panel will then be presented to the Designated Manager (Foster Placement - Exemption) for approval.

Applications will usually be made because of the following 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 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.

The factors to be taken into account in considering whether to grant an exemption are as follows:

  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.

Applications for exemption in relation to foster carers living outside the borough must be made to the manager of the fostering service for the local authority in whose area the foster carer lives.


3. Planned Exemptions

Decisions whether or not to grant an exemption in relation to foster carers living in Enfield will be made by the Designated Manager (Foster Placement - Exemption) upon the recommendation of the Fostering Panel and 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 foster carer will be notified in writing of the decision.

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 authorises it.


4. Emergency Placements

A child can only be placed in an Enfield foster home above the usual limit for up to 24 hours without specific authority to exempt the foster home from the limit.

An application for exemption must be made to the Designated Manager (Foster Placement - Exemption) as soon as practicable thereafter and any such exemption needs to be presented to the next available Fostering Panel.

An interim decision may be necessary on an emergency basis pending full consideration of the exemption.

Any emergency 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 record and the foster carer’s case record.  A copy must also be sent to the foster carer.

End