The AFS is committed to providing safe and secure placements for children. We expect all of our foster carers to follow the safe caring guidelines, to record anything of significance, and seek support as needed immediately. As an agency we have our own child protection procedures that must be followed, however, if there is a variance, the procedures of the concerned local authority must be adhered to without exception.

This policy provides protocol and procedures for dealing with the following situations:

Allegations against foster carers

If there is an allegation made about one of the agency's carers, it is reported immediately to the placing local authority. The agency will fully co-operate with the local authority and the police in their investigation in relation to any child protection concern related to the child placed with our foster carers.

Allegations against someone other than the foster carers and the family

If a carer becomes aware of an allegation of abuse of a child in placement, or has suspicion of the possibility, the agency should be contacted immediately.

The AFS will ensure that the information is passed to the local authority straight away and child protection procedures are followed. Foster carers will be fully informed of the procedure to be followed.

If any child protection concern is brought to a carer's attention outside the normal working hours, they are expected to contact the agency on the out of hours telephone number 0116 251350 to discuss the course of action to follow with officer on duty.

Allegation against the AFS staff

Any allegation of a child protection nature, against a member of staff should be brought to the attention of Director of AFS without delay. The Director of the AFS will report the allegation to the local authority, and ensures that the staff members are treated fairly and, where appropriate, kept fully informed. This however might not be possible if allegation involves police investigation and possible criminal proceedings.