28.—(1) Where the responsible authority is satisfied that—
(a)the most appropriate placement for C is with a person who is not approved as a local authority foster parent, but that person is the prospective adopter with whom it proposes to place C for adoption (“A”), and
(b)it is in C’s best interests to be placed with A,
the responsible authority may approve A as a local authority foster parent for a temporary period (“temporary approval period”) provided that the responsible authority first complies with the requirements of paragraph (2).
(2) Before approving A as local authority foster parent under paragraph (1), the responsible authority must—
(a)assess A’s suitability to care for C as a foster parent, and
(b)consider whether, in all the circumstances and taking into account the services to be provided by the responsible authority, the proposed arrangements will safeguard and promote C’s well-being and meet C’s needs as set out in the care and support plan.
(3) The temporary approval period expires—
(a)on C’s placement with A being terminated by the responsible authority;
(b)on A’s approval as a prospective adopter being terminated;
(c)on A being approved as a foster parent in accordance with the Fostering Regulations or the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011;
(d)if A gives written notice to the responsible authority that they no longer wish to be temporarily approved as a foster parent in relation to C, with effect from 28 days from the date on which the notice is received by the responsible authority; or
(e)on C being placed for adoption with A in accordance with the Adoption and Children Act 2002(1).