The Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011

Fostering agency ceasing to carry out fostering functions – new fostering service providers

34.—(1) Within 16 weeks of the date on which the old agency ceases carrying out the functions of a fostering agency, the fostering service provider in relation to a new fostering service (“the new fostering service provider”) must, unless it is not reasonably practicable to do so, carry out an assessment of any foster parent for whom it has assumed responsibility by virtue of regulation 33(2) or (3) (a “transferred foster parent”) and decide whether to approve them as a foster parent, in accordance with the provisions of regulations 26 and 27, with the modification that regulation 27(1) does not apply.

(2) The transferred foster parent’s approval by the old agency is terminated —

(a) when the new fostering service provider make their decision under regulation 27(8), (9)(b) or (10) (as the case may be), or

(b) subject to paragraph (3), if the new fostering service provider fail to carry out the assessment and make their decision within the period of 16 weeks referred to in paragraph (1).

(3) Where it is not reasonably practicable for the new fostering service provider to complete their assessment and make their decision within the period of 16 weeks referred to in paragraph (1), the transferred foster parent’s approval may be extended for such period as is necessary for the fostering service provider to make their decision.