Allegations against foster carers
Facing an allegation of abuse or neglect is something that some foster carers will, unfortunately, experience during their fostering career. This is inevitably a distressing time for everyone involved - the child or young person, the foster carer and their family - but it is important that allegations are investigated fully to make sure that children are safe from any current or potential harm.
We have resources, helplines, advice and mediation services and training to help foster carers and their families if an allegation is made.
What is an allegation?
Every child and young person should feel safe, secure, and supported by those around them - especially their foster carers. However, sometimes a child or young person (or an adult acting on their behalf) may describe an upsetting situation involving their foster carer or a member of their foster family. This becomes an allegation if it is suggested that a foster carer or another member of the fostering household has, or may have, behaved in a way that has harmed the child, committed a criminal offence against the child or behaved towards the child in a way that indicates they are unsuitable to work with children.
There is a difference between a complaint, concern and allegation. Complaints are expressions of general dissatisfaction and can be about anything at all. Concerns are more serious than complaints and are directly related to the quality of the care provided to a child by a foster carer, or about a foster carer’s ability to meet the regulatory standards required of them. Allegations are more serious than complaints and they must be investigated under local child protection procedures.
