The Foster Placement (Children) Regulations 1991

Emergency and immediate placements by local authorities

11.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2) where arrangements have been made for theplacement of a child in an emergency, a local authority may for a periodnot exceeding 24 hours place them with any person approved underregulation 3.

(2) Before an emergency placement is made pursuant to paragraph (1) theauthority shall—

(a) satisfy the provisions of regulation 5(1)(a), and

(b) obtain a written agreement from the person with whom the child isto be placed that that person will carry out the duties specified inparagraph (4) of this regulation.

(3) Where a local authority are satisfied that the immediate placementof a child is necessary they may for a period not exceeding six weeksplace the child with a person who has not been approved under regulation3 provided, after interviewing the person, inspecting the accommodationand obtaining information about other persons living in his household,the authority are also satisfied that—

(a) the person is a relative or friend of the child;

(b) the person has made a written agreement with the local authority tocarry out the duties specified in paragraph (4); and

(c) the provisions of regulation 5(1)(a) are satisfied.

(4) The duties referred to in paragraph (2)(b) and (3)(b)are—

(a) to care for the child as if he were a member of that person'sfamily;

(b) to permit any person authorised by the local authority of (ifdifferent) the area authority, to visit the child at any time;

(c) where regulation 7(1) or (2) applies, to allow the child to beremoved at any time by the local authority or (as the case may be) thearea authority;

(d) to ensure that any information which that person may acquirerelating to the child, or to his family or any other person, which hasbeen given to him in confidence in connection with the placement is keptconfidential and is not disclosed except to, or with the agreement of,the local authority; and

(e) to allow contact with the child in accordance with section 34 ofthe Act (parental contact etc) in relation to a child in care, with anycontact order (as defined in section 8(1) of the Act) and with any arrangements made or agreed by the local authority.

(5) Where a local authority make a placement under this regulationoutside their area they shall notify the area authority.