The Independent Review Mechanism (IRM)

The Independent Reviewing Mechanism (IRM) operates the process by which prospective or approved foster carers, can seek a review of a decision or ‘qualifying determination’ made by a fostering service provider. This might be a decision not to approve a prospective foster carer, terminate approval as a foster carer, or change the terms of approval.

If the foster carer or prospective foster carer/kinship foster carer disagrees with the decision of the Agency Decision Maker (ADM), they have 28 days from the date of the letter they receive to request a review of the decision and the IRM route is an option for this.

The review process is conducted by an IRM review panel which is independent of the fostering service . The review process does not have the power to deal with complaints these should be dealt with through the fostering service’s own complaints procedure.

Fostering services should advise you of your rights to make representations to your fostering service provider or apply to the IRM for a review of their case when you receive your qualifying determination letter. If you have not been advised of these rights please let your fostering service provider and/ or the IRM know. You need to make an application preferably by email. Applications must be made within 28 calendar days from the date of your fostering service provider’s letter (the qualifying determination). The IRM holds its panels virtually, though a face to face panel could be arranged in exceptional circumstances to meet a specific need.

Once the IRM accept your application, they will let you know the date and time of the panel. Your case will be considered by a review panel whose members have professional or personal experience of child placements.

No: the carer or prospective carer must make a choice whether they wish to make representations to their fostering service provider OR apply to the IRM for a review of their case.

You will be emailed the IRM panel’s recommendation 7 working days after the panel hearing, with the minutes emailed on the 10th working day. The fostering service provider ADM will then make a final decision, taking into account the IRM recommendation. The ADM will write to you formally to let you know the final decision. There is no right of appeal against the ADM final decision. If you remain dissatisfied with this decision, you should seek your own advice from, for example, a solicitor as to what action you may take.

Complaints cannot be made about the IRM panel’s recommendation. However, there is a formal complaints procedure that is available to use for other issues, which sets out the steps you should take to complain.