Delegation of authority

What does this mean for you?

When a child joins your family, we want life to feel as normal and positive as possible. 

That’s why foster carers are given delegated authority, a formal agreement that sets out which everyday decisions you can make without waiting for the council to approve them. It means you know exactly what you’re allowed to decide, so life feels more normal for the child and things run smoothly at home. 

How Does It Work?  

Delegated authority is discussed and agreed at a meeting, usually held just before or shortly after a child moves into your home. 

It involves you, your supervising social worker, the child’s social worker, the child, and the parent (when appropriate). At the meeting, everyone talks about the child’s needs and what’s expected from the foster placement. You’ll agree on which everyday decisions you can make – for example, health appointments or school activities. These decisions are then written into a ‘Placement Plan’, so you know exactly what you’re authorised to decide.

Is there anything else I need to know? 

• You’ll have written confirmation of delegated authority in the child’s Placement Plan. This will outline what decisions you can make.  
• In most cases, this includes everyday tasks like registering the child with a GP, dentist, or optician. For things like opening a bank account, it must be clearly agreed in the plan.  
• Big decisions stay with the local council (and sometimes the parent), such as changing schools, consenting to surgery, or anything with legal implications.