Permanency Options for Looked After Children

Fosterline receives a number of calls from foster carers who have been asked to consider “permanency” for their foster child. Often they are unsure what this means and have been given very little information by their social worker. Fosterline has produced this information to help foster carers and others relatives clarify the terminology that might be used and the implications for looked after children and their caregivers.

What do we mean by “permanence”?

Permanence means giving a child a sense of security, continuity, stability and belonging. It means that they know where they are going to be living for the rest of their childhood and who their parents are going to be.

What are the options for achieving permanence?

There are a number of ways that a looked after child can be placed in a permanent placement. These include:

  • Kinship placements (living with a family member or “connected person”) also known as Family and Friends Foster Care
  • Child Arrangement Orders (previously known as Residence Orders)
  • Special Guardianship Orders (SGO)
  • Adoption
  • Long Term Foster Care

Which option is best for any particular child and their carer will depend on individual circumstances, which we explore in more detail below.

 

Type of Order Child Arrangement Order (Residence Order)/Special Guardianship Order Adoption Long Term Foster Care (Care Order)
Impact on child/family Child needs the security of a legally defined placement but does not require a change of identity. Foster Carers are increasingly being asked to take Special Guardianship Orders for foster children. Child’s primary need is to belong to a family who will make a lifelong commitment to the child. Adoption is used primarily for young children who cannot return home to birth family Primary need is for a stable loving family environment while there is still a significant level of contact with birth family. Long Term Fostering is not generally used for younger children as adoption will be the preferred option.
Does carer gain Parental Responsibility (PR)? Yes. Holder of Child Arrangement Order or SGO gains PR for the child and is able to make all day to day decisions for the child Yes. Child gains a new family name and identity. Child has same legal status as any birth child in the family. No. Child continues to be “looked after” PR is shared by parents and Local Authority.
Level of Support, including financial support. No on-going monitoring by LA, although a support package should be put in place including financial support. This is means tested/time limited. Child is no longer “looked after”. Adoption allowances may be payable but are means tested. LA responsible for the supervision and support of the foster placement and for monitoring the welfare of the child. Fostering allowances continue to be paid.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Permanency