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3.11.3 Limit on Number of Children in Foster Homes

Contents

  1. Usual Limit
  2. Applications for Exemption
  3. Exemptions
  4. Emergency Placements


1. Usual Limit

There is a usual limit of three children in each foster home.

In all circumstances, a foster carer may only exceed this number if an exemption has been agreed or if the children concerned are all siblings.


2.Applications for Exemption

All applications for exemption must be made to the Designated Manager (Exemptions). 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
  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
  6. The foster carer's capacity to provide sufficient care for all the children in the placement


3. Exemptions

Decisions to grant exemptions will be made by the Designated Manager (Exemptions). Any exemption will be specific to a child or children and can be subject to conditions.

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 Manager (Exemptions).

Where a Foster Carer for Coventry lives outside the city in another authority, approval for exemption is required from the other authority. For advice about how to obtain this, contact the Fostering Service.


4. Emergency Placements

An application for exemption must be made to the Designated Manager (Exemptions) as soon as practicable thereafter.

 

 

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