The New Legal Arena Lynn Woodhouse Regional Consultant North East

What? NMS Fostering Regulations Statutory Guidance for Fostering Volume 2 – Care Planning, Placement and Case Review – published March 2010

All will come into force April 2011 and will be inspected on from that time

Timetable The Fostering Regulations and Guidance – consultation until 19 th November NMS published end of November Response from Regs and guidance consultation end of November Regulations made and guidance published Jan 2011 Regulations, NMS and guidance in force April 2011

Context The NMS, Regs and Guidance give more emphasis on what to do and not how Agencies can choose how they are going to meet them –bureaucracy removed Overall programme is to rationalise, streamline and update the regulatory framework for LAC Bring into line with Care planning regs and guidance

Purpose Set out mandatory requirements Allow for a level playing field between LA and independent/voluntary providers Underpin inspection framework

Changes to Regulations Consolidate regulations – clear and easy to understand Make panel membership more flexible Covers process for approval of foster carer when agency closes

Guidance Must be followed unless exceptional reason why not to Must be followed by those working with LA’s as providers Sets out what must be done in order to comply

Changes to guidance Outdated statutory guidance and a plethora of practice guidance Repetition removed Cross referenced Advice removed Provide clarity Language simple Style accessible

Purpose of NMS Build on regs Set minimum standard Inspectors must consider

Changes to NMS Streamlined and reduced Avoid repetition of regs Improves focus on outcomes Improved consistency between CH, fostering and adoption

What is The Fostering Network doing? Providing training and workshops Dissemination through membership events Updating our publications Updating our training Updating our assessment materials

Any Questions?