A Practical Guide to Fostering Law is an accessible, jargon-free guide to the key elements of the law that concern foster carers and the professionals who work with them.It aims to help foster carers understand where they fit into the complex web of regulations surrounding childcare and to demystify the jargon and terminology which is often used but rarely explained. The book covers the laws in England and Wales governing fostering agencies and foster carers themselves, including foster carers' rights, and the formalities of placement procedures. It also provides explanations of care proceedings, the foster carer as a witness, what happens if a young fostered person gets into trouble, and moving on from foster care. The last section provides a 'who's who' of the main professionals involved and a jargon-busting glossary of the key terms often used. It also includes illustrative case examples and each chapter concludes with suggestions for where to find more information.This guide will be an invaluable resource for current and prospective foster carers and the professionals who work with them, such as support workers, social workers and foster agency staff.

Acknowledgements. Preface. Introduction. Part 1. Agencies and Carers. 1. Foster Care and Fostering Agencies. 2. Becoming a Foster Carer. 3. Placements. 4. Foster Carers' Rights, Allegations and Ending Fostering. Part 2. Looked After Children. 5. Basics of Child Care Law. 6. Looked After Children. 7. Care Proceedings. 8. The Foster Carer as Witness. 9. Duties Towards Looked After Children. 10. Contact. Part 3. Young People in Trouble - Fostered Children and the Criminal Law. 11. The Criminal System - Some Legal Basics. 12. The Criminal Process. 13. Reprimands, Warnings and Court. 14. Sentencing. 15. Anti-social Behaviour. Part 4. Young Victims and Witnesses. 16. Evidence and Compensation. Part 5. Long-term Plans. 17. Long-term Placements. 18. Moving to Independence. Part 6. Jargon Buster. Where Can I Find Out More? Index.