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Contents

1. Usual Limit  
2. Applications for Exemption or Variations of Approval
3. Exemptions or Variations of Approval  
4. Emergency Placements

1. Usual Limit

There is a usual limit on the number of children in each foster home as agreed at the Fostering Panel when they are first approved or changed at Annual Review.

A child may be placed with a foster carer for up to 6 days without affecting this limit.  In all other circumstances, a foster carer may only exceed this number if an exemption has been agreed by the Designated Manager (Exemptions). The fostering panel must then consider the exemption at the earliest opportunity.

2. Applications for Exemptions or Variations of Approval

Applications will usually be made because of the following circumstances:

1. The child concerned was previously placed with the foster carer and his or her placement elsewhere has disrupted
2. The foster carer has 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 carer.

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 carer and the children concerned if the child is already in placement
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. This should include birth children and those who are fostered
6. The foster carer’s capacity to provide sufficient care for all the children in the placement and the support that is available to them
7. Additional Support that is identified for the duration of the exemption
8. The views of the social work managers with children already in placement.

3. Exemptions or Variations of Approval

Decisions whether or not to grant an exemption will be made by the Designated Manager (Exemptions) 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 a further decision is made by the Designated the arrangement is likely to last more than three months, the Supervising Social Worker and Fostering Team Manager - Support must write a report to be presented to the Fostering Panel at the earliest opportunity.

4. Emergency Placements

Where it appears necessary to place a child in a foster home above the usual limit in an emergency, it will still be necessary to seek the approval, verbally if necessary, from the Designated Manager (Emergency Exemptions). 

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 file and the foster carer’s file.  A copy must also be sent to the foster carer.  The Exemption will be considered by the Fostering Team on the next working day and the procedure outlined in Section 2, Applications for Exemptions or Variations of Approval will commence.

End