National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services

1.	Managing the fostering service
2.	Securing welfare
3.	Promoting welfare
4.	Staff
5.	Records kept by the service
6.	Fostering panels
7.	Other types fostering placements

3. Promoting welfare

Contact.
Children in foster care should keep in and develop contact with family and friends as set out in their care plan and placement plan. Carer's should get financial support for ensuring contact takes place.

Consultation. Children and their families should have their say about issues that are likely to affect their lives. Children must know how to make a complaint. All complaints should be dealt with quickly and children told what is happening.

Health. Carers must be given information about the health needs of the child and clear procedures about what consent is necessary for the child can receive medical treatment before a placement begins.

Education. Foster carers should provide children with a home in which education and learning is valued. The carer's role in contact with the school should be clear e.g. attending parents evenings etc. Children in foster care should be encouraged to reach their full potential.

Preparing for adulthood. Children should be helped to develop skills, ability and knowledge needed for adult living and leaving care. Foster carers should have written plans of what they are expected to do in helping a young person prepare for independent or semi independent living.