Simply Fostering

• 3.1: Introduction
• 3.2: Can you foster?
• 3.3: Home study
• 3.4: Fostering training
• 3.5: Timescales
• 3.6: References and checks
• 3.7: Fostering panel
• 3.8: Post approval

  • Current page is 3.8.1: IRM

• 3.9: Birth children
• 3.10: Foster children

Independent Review Mechanism

What the Independent Review Mechanism does:

If you are a prospective or an existing foster carer who has recently received a Panel recommendation (qualifying determination) which you don’t agree with, you have two options:

• you can either apply to the IRM for a review of fostering service provider’s qualifying determination 

OR

• you can make representations to your fostering service provider.

The IRM is a review process conducted by a Review Panel which is independent of fostering service providers.

If you choose to use the IRM the review panel will, where appropriate:

• review your suitability as a prospective foster carer(s) to foster a child,
• review any proposed changes to your terms of approval,
• make a fresh recommendation to your agency on your suitability to foster a child and the terms of your approval, including approval for a specific child.