Standards and legislation

Part of the Key Resources in Foster Care series, this resource list gives details of recommended publications and organisations on the topic of equality and the law.

The Fostering Network's guide to putting the Government's charter into practice for foster carers and fostering services in England.

This document provides insight into Ofsted's guidance for inspectors who inspect local authority and independent fostering services in England on the issue of foster carers who also provide childcare.

Divided into six sections, the Code of Practice on the recruitment, assessment, approval, training, management and support of foster carers is an invaluable daily reference document for anyone involved in the management of fostering services and the recruitment, assessment, approval, training and support for foster carers. It describes the skills and competencies required by foster carers, and emphasises the serious responsibilities placed on fostering services to offer appropriate training and support to their carers in the context of properly managed service.

This Signpost booklet offers approved foster carers (including those who are relatives or friends of the child) in England and Wales an overview of the standards, regulations and legislative guidance that effect them.

This Signpost booklet provides a guide for foster carers on the most relevant aspects of the legislation. It also directs readers to further resources.