What happens if an allegation is made against me or my family?

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ways in Which you can Reduce Risks
3. What Happens if an Allegation Is Made

1. Introduction

All foster carers will receive training and guidance to help them provide a safe environment for the child and all members of the foster family. You should have received information about child protection procedures form the fostering agency and they should take into account any comments you may have about this.

It is important that you record any incidents or complaints as they can provide important evidence if an allegation is made.

Occasionally allegation and complaints are made against foster carers and those in their family.

This can place you in a difficult and sometimes distressing situation. If allegations against you or someone in your household are made directly to a social worker they have a responsibility to make you aware of it.

2. Ways in Which you can Reduce Risks

• Think about whom in the household may be vulnerable to allegations.
• Keep a daily record.
• Be clear on what behaviour is expected.
• Develop your own Safer Caring policy for keeping everyone safe.
• Make use of training and support from your Supervising Social Worker.
• Have insurance cover.
• Work closely with other professionals and talk to them with any concerns.

3. What Happens if an Allegation Is Made

If an allegation is made it will be investigated fairly and confidentially and the Local Safeguarding Children Board Procedures will be followed.

A Strategy Meeting will be called within 2 working days of the allegation to decide whether an investigation is necessary and whether your own children should be considered as part of a child protection conference.

You will be given where appropriate the chance to respond to the allegation before a final decision is made about what action to take.

The minutes of this meeting and any relevant information will be held on your record. In some situations the child’s social worker may look for a new placement for the child and if the decision is made to not place any other children during the investigation, you will be notified in writing.

Your Supervising Social Worker will not be able to discuss the allegation during the investigation.

The fostering service will inform you of;

• How you will be supported and paid whilst you are under investigation.
• The address and contact telephone number of an independent agency who will provide you with support during the investigation.
• Information regarding a solicitor.
• Information on insurance arrangements for legal expenses.

Why a foster child might make a false allegation of abuse

• Misinterpreting an innocent action.
• To bring attention to previous abuse for the first time because you or someone in the household is trusted.
• As a way to have some control over their life which may seem out of control.
• To bring an end to a foster placement.

The outcome of the investigation may;

• Identify training needs for you.
• Need to consider your approval category at your annual review.
• Decide that you are no longer able to foster.

If an allegation is made directly to you about another person’s behaviour towards a child, you should inform your Supervising Social Worker or the child’s social worker as soon as possible or within 24 hours.