foster carer taking my child abroad

[poundedskate7]

Hi, I know the social worker under a care order can allow the foster carers to take the child abroad for a period of 1 month but do the parents usually have to be consulted? Every year since they have been in care we have been asked, consulted & informed, This year we haven't been told but we became aware it was happening when our children told us at family time, we think this is out of order but what is the rule on parents with PR being kept informed?

This is an ongoing theme with a certain branch, they don't inform us of EHCP meetings, they consented through themselves and the foster carer for one of our children to have dental work done under general anaesthetic, instead of consulting us, only when the dentist checked the consent forms did we get invited to the procedure.

what is normal under care orders etc

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Poundedskate7

Thank you for your post and welcome to the forum. My name is Suzie, I am an online adviser and will be replying to you today. I can imagine hearing that your child was going abroad during family time was not something you expected, especially because in the past you have been consulted and informed.

I suggest you ask the local authority for their policy and procedures regarding holidays and medical treatment. It is generally expected that parents or guardians of children in foster care under a care order should be informed about any planned trips abroad. This is to ensure that they are aware of the child’s welfare and safety and to provide any necessary support or guidance.

However, when there is a care order in place, the local authority has authority to agree to a child going abroad on holiday with a child. Good practice indicate that they should inform the parents and seek their views as part of working together with parents, but they are the final decision makers.

For children under 16 years subject to a Care Order the Team Manager should give consent to routine examinations and treatment if the parent is unable or unwilling to do so.

Where a child needs surgery, a general anaesthetic or other specific medical intervention, the child's social worker should actively seek to involve the parent(s) in discussions with medical staff prior to giving their consent.
Other than in exceptional circumstances, all reasonable steps should be taken to inform the parent(s) or others with Parental Responsibility before medical advice or treatment is sought for a Looked After Child. If this is not achieved, they should be informed as soon as practicable thereafter. The level of information imparted should reflect the current Care Plan.

If you have concerns regarding communications and information sharing with the allocated social worker, I suggest you attempt to address the issues directly with them, copying in the independent reviewing officer as part of their role is to ensure your child’s care plan is meeting their needs. If the matter is not resolved, you may wish to consider making a formal complaint. I have added HERE information and guidance regarding this process.

I hope the information provided is of help to you. Please post again if you have any further queries or you can call our free, confidential adviceline on 0808 801 0366 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 3pm). We also have a webchat which is currently open on Monday and Thursday afternoons.

Best wishes, Suzie