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

4. Foster carers
There should be a range of carers to meet the varying needs of children.

Supervision. The fostering service provides supervision for carers and helps them to develop their skills. On approval carers are given a handbook, detailing policies, procedures, guidance, legal information and insurance details. This is updated regularly. Each carer has a Foster Care Agreement. The carer's files contain details of the supervisory meetings. Carer's receive at least one unannounced visit each year.

Training. Carers should be trained in the skills needed to provide a high quality service and meet the needs of the children placed in their care. Carer's should keep a training portfolio. Their annual review should look at their training and development needs.

Records. Carers should store information in a secure manner and understand what information they are required to keep and what information needs to be passed on to the fostering service. Carers should record significant life events for a child. They should encourage children to also make such recordings, including photograph albums.

Payments. Each carer receives an allowance and agreed expenses, which cover the full cost of caring for each child placed with them. Details of allowances should be publicised.