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Contents

1. Usual Limit 
2. Applications for Exemption
3. Planned Exemptions
4. Emergency Placements 

1. Usual Limit

There is a usual limit of three children in each foster home.

A child may be placed with foster carers for up to six days without affecting this limit.  In all other circumstances, foster carers may only exceed this number if an exemption has been agreed.

2. Applications for Exemptions

Applications will usually be made because of the following circumstances

1. The child concerned was previously placed with the foster carers and his or her placement elsewhere has disrupted
2. The foster carers have special skills which are not available elsewhere
3. The placement of the child over the limit is the most appropriate way of meeting the child’s needs arising from disability, race, religion, language and/or culture
4. The placement is required to keep siblings together

Applications can only be made with the agreement of the foster carers concerned.

The factors to be taken into account in considering whether to grant an exemption are as follows:

1. The number, ages and circumstances of the children concerned
2. The arrangements proposed for the care and accommodation of the children concerned
3. The relationship between the foster carers and the children concerned
4. The period of time over which the placement is likely to last
5. The likely effect on the children concerned and any other children living in the household
6. The foster carers’ capacity to provide sufficient care for all the children in the placement.

Applications for exemptions must be made to the Registered Manager of the fostering service using form CFER1.

In relation to foster carers living outside the borough placed with another Authority or independent fostering agencies, an exemption can only be granted by the Designated Manager in the respective agency or Local Authority.

3. Planned Exemptions

All applications for planned exemption for foster carers living in Knowsley must be made in writing, supported by reasons, to the Fostering Panel.  The recommendation of the Fostering Panel will then be presented to the Designated Manager (Exemption from Fostering Limit) for approval.

Decisions whether or not to grant an exemption will be recorded in writing, together with reasons.  Any exemption will be specific to a child or children and can be subject to conditions.  The foster carer will be notified in writing of the decision.

Upon the granting of an exemption, a time limit will be specified and an exemption can only extend beyond that date if the Designated Manager authorises it.

The decision must be recorded on ISSIS.

4. Emergency Placements

In exceptional circumstances a child can be placed for up to six days without specific authority to exempt the foster home from the limit (3 children). However, it is expected that a child will not be placed with a Knowsley foster carer above their normal approved limit without the agreement of the Designated Manager (exemption from fostering limit).

An application for exemption must be made to the Designated Manager (Exemption from Fostering Limit) within 24 hours and any such exemption needs to be presented to the next available Fostering Panel.

An interim decision may be necessary on an emergency basis pending full consideration of the exemption.

Any emergency decisions to grant an exemption must be confirmed in writing using form CFER1 and copies of the decision, together with the reasons, must be placed on the child’s file and the foster carer’s case record. A copy must also be sent to the foster carer.

The decision must be recorded on ICS.

End