Allegations FAQs

Foster care is, by definition, an activity which takes place within the home. In this close environment, false or unfounded allegations can be made for several complex reasons.  

A child may make a false allegation in response to something which has been said or done that has made them upset or angry. Sometimes, a child may be unhappy with things in their foster home and want to move on and feel raising an allegation will enable them to do so. Equally, a child may believe that by raising an allegation against their foster family, they may be able to return to their family home. Sometimes, a parent may raise a false allegation for the same reason. In other situations, a child or young person may have been triggered by an event or action which reminds them of a traumatic early life experience, which has made them feel unsafe and led them to misinterpreting a situation or event. The motivation behind each false allegation is often complex, and may be the result of multiple factors.  

Children who raise a false allegation may not always realise what the resulting process will entail for either them or their foster family. Sometimes children do go on to retract a false allegation, such as after they have had time to reflect on an event which had upset them. However, sometimes they will have already moved to a new home due to the allegation that was made.  

This is one reason all children should be supported, in an age-appropriate way, to understand their rights (such as their right to an independent advocate), and know the different the ways they can share their feelings, emotions and experiences when they are unhappy or upset, and trust that they will be listened to. 

If a child has previously made false allegations, this should be added to their care plan/ behaviour risk assessment, along with what support has helped them previously or any factors that will influence the care to be provided. 

Many carers tell us that during an investigation they feel they are treated as though they are ‘guilty until proven innocent’. 

Each fostering service will have set procedures in place when it comes to dealing with allegations; you should have a copy of this. If not, ask for one immediately when you are told that there is an allegation against you.   

The National Minimum Standards state that foster carers who are under investigation should be provided with support that is independent of their fostering service, to help them through the process (NMS 22.12). 

It is not unusual for carers to feel isolated during the investigation process. Some have told us that their supervising social worker has stopped visiting them or has been told to withdraw support.
 

This shouldn’t be perceived as a personal attack, or that the social worker has “taken sides”. On the contrary, the temporary withdrawal of social worker support may be put in place to avoid any conflicts of interest during the inquiry. However, if you continue to have a foster child living with you during an investigation, arrangements to continue with supervision should be put in place. 

While Fosterline is not there to replace your fostering service or supervising social worker, we can provide you with advice, information, and support to help you throughout the process

It depends on the nature of the allegation whether the child subject to the allegation should be removed from the foster carer, or if the situation allows the child to remain.  A decision on this will be made by assessing the risk and considering what is in the best interests of the child in your care and the needs of any other children in the household.  

In some circumstances, it may be suggested that the person who is the subject of the allegation leave the house until further investigations can take place and/or alternative arrangements can be made. This can help provide stability for children whilst the investigation is completed but can create difficulties for foster carers who may experience conflicting emotions and practical and financial issues. 

When carrying out an investigation into allegations of abuse against a foster child, the local authority has a legal duty to consider the welfare of any other children in the household – including your own children. This includes birth children, adopted children, or children on Special Guardianship Orders or a Child Arrangements Order. 

If your children are deemed to be at risk of “significant harm”, they would be subject to the same safeguarding procedures as any other child in the community. In these circumstances, you are advised to seek independent legal advice. 

During and after an investigation you will hear a lot of acronyms and jargon being used. Below we explain what some of them mean: