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Written question asked by Madeleine Moon (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 April 2013, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 April 2013. It was answered by Edward Timpson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 23 April 2013 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Children in Care: Protection

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) whether it is a requirement that enhanced disclosure checks are carried out on any adult male who offers a home to a child in the care of a local authority; and if he will make a statement;

[151637]

Answer

A person who looks after a child in the care of a local authority within their own home must be approved as a foster carer (unless they have parental responsibility for the child). Before a fostering service may approve a person of any sex as a foster carer, they must obtain an enhanced disclosure check with respect to that person and any of their household members aged 18 or over.

There are no guidelines to chief constables on the responsibilities and assessment process of older men who accommodate young girls within the care system. This is because the assessment, approval, supervision and development of foster carers are the responsibility of fostering services, rather than the constabulary. The assessment and approval of foster carers of any age or sex in England is regulated by the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011. In Wales it is regulated by the Fostering Services (Wales) Regulations 2003.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
151637; 561 c874W
Session
2012-13
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Children in care Protection Vetting
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk