How an allegation is investigated

The safeguarding process should always start with a professional strategy discussion. This is an initial discussion between senior representatives from relevant agencies including the local authority safeguarding team, the fostering service, and the police. They will discuss whether the information shared about the allegation meets the threshold for the next step - a professional strategy meeting.  

This discussion may involve the local authority gathering more information to inform the discussion. They will also consider whether the situation needs immediate action to safeguard the child while further enquiries are made. 

What information will be shared

The person who is the subject of the allegation will usually be told by the registered manager/supervising social worker and the safeguarding social worker that a professional strategy discussion has taken place on the same day it happens. However, they will not be given any details that could stop the investigation from taking place in the proper way. This might mean that they are not told the details of the allegation.

A final strategy meeting, usually called an ‘outcome professional strategy meeting’ should be held once the safeguarding enquiries and investigations have finished. This meeting will include senior representatives from relevant agencies and the police. They will consider all the information available and then agree the ‘outcome’ of the professional strategy process.  

There are four commonly recognised outcomes: substantiated, unsubstantiated, unfounded, and malicious.  

• Substantiated - there is evidence that the allegation has been proven.
• Unsubstantiated - there is not enough evidence to prove or disprove the allegation. It does not imply guilt or innocence but is an inconclusive outcome.
• Unfounded - there is evidence to disprove the allegation.
• Malicious - the allegation is entirely false and there is clear evidence to prove that there has been a deliberate act to deceive. 

What information will be shared

The outcome of any safeguarding investigation should always be provided in writing to the subject of the allegation as soon as possible after the conclusion and outcome has been agreed.

If a full investigation has taken place, and an outcome has been reached, the fostering service will need to decide how to appropriately respond to the findings and recommendations.  

• Where the outcome is ‘unfounded’ or ‘malicious’, the fostering service should provide the foster carer with an opportunity to explore the impact the allegation has had on them and their household. They should also identify any additional support that may be helpful.
• Where the outcome of an investigation is that an allegation was ‘substantiated’ or ‘unsubstantiated’, the fostering service should review whether the foster carer is still suitable to foster. This may involve a referral to the fostering panel before a final decision is made by the agency decision maker in the fostering service. This will be an in-depth review and will happen in full consultation with the foster carer and their family. It will cover reflections and any recommendations for change.
• If an allegation has been found to be substantiated, a referral may be made to the relevant barring service.  

Fostering services must keep a record of any allegations made against their foster carers, including how the allegation was investigated and its outcome.  

Foster carers have told us that after facing an allegation they often feel vulnerable and in need of extra support from their fostering service. It’s important for foster carers who feel this way to speak to their supervising social workers about any additional support that can be provided.