Everyone involved in fostering is expected to keep up-to-date with, and follow, the relevant fostering legislation, guidance and best practice.
Fostering is a devolved issue in the UK, so legislation and guidance varies from nation to nation. You can find out more about the legislation and guidance where you live using the drop down menu below. However, in most cases, best practice remains the same wherever in the UK you are. The Fostering Network has a range of policy positions and practice information which assist foster carers and fostering services when it comes to best practice.
- See our policy positions
- See our practice information
If you are a foster carer you shouldn’t feel daunted by the idea of regulations - you’re not expected to know everything about them and they help to ensure that everything possible is done to ensure positive outcomes for children in care. Fostering services should ensure that their foster carers are aware of any relevant legislation or changes to the current legislation and guidance.
Regulation and inspection of fostering services
In England, Scotland and Wales fostering services are subject to regulation and inspection by the relevant national care inspection body. The care inspection bodies are responsible for the registration of fostering services and set standards which must be met before registration is granted. It is illegal to operate a fostering service prior to registration. In Northern Ireland there is no inspection of fostering services as there are no standards against which to inspect.