Facing an allegation: your rights as a foster carer, and what is changing

BFCA Tutor

Tue, 10 Nov 2026

Few moments in fostering are as frightening as being told that an allegation has been made against you, or against someone in your household. Allegations must always be taken seriously, because listening to children is how they are kept safe. But a fair process protects children and carers alike, and knowing your rights before you ever need them makes a real difference to how you cope if it happens.

What the current standards say

In England, fostering services still work to the Fostering Services National Minimum Standards (2011). Standard 22 covers handling allegations and suspicions of harm. Among other things, it says:

• Your fostering service must have written guidance explaining how carers will be supported during an investigation, including payment of allowance and any fee while the investigation is ongoing.
• During an investigation, the service must make support that is independent of the fostering service available to the person the allegation is about and, for a foster carer, to their household.
• Investigations should be handled fairly, quickly and consistently.
• A clear and comprehensive summary of any allegation must be kept on your confidential file, and you should be given a copy as soon as the investigation is concluded.

Allegations that a child may have been harmed are also referred to the local authority designated officer (LADO), who oversees how allegations against adults who work with children are managed.

What is changing

In February 2026, the Department for Education consulted on proposed changes to the assessment of foster carers and the handling of allegations. Its response, published in June 2026, commits to:

• using proportionate judgement to decide whether a concern needs a formal investigation, or can be handled through a strengths-based, relational standards of care approach
• independent advocacy for children and foster carers, with carers able to choose the independent support they want wherever possible
• continued payment for foster carers while an allegation is being investigated
• timely investigations, with delays escalated through the LADO, and regular updates for children and carers throughout

These changes are due to be set out in new national fostering standards and guidance. The DfE consulted on draft standards between July and September 2026 and is now analysing the feedback. Until the final standards are published, the 2011 standards are the ones services work to.

Why bias and good records matter

For Black and global majority carers, there can be an extra layer of worry: that ordinary family life, such as hair care, food, faith, discipline or the way relatives are involved, might be misread by people who do not share your culture. Clear, factual, dated records and a safer caring plan that reflects your household help everyone see what is really happening.

Practical steps you can take now

• Ask your fostering service for its allegations policy and read it before you ever need it. Check how independent support is arranged and what happens to your fees.
• Keep daily records factual and in plain words: what happened, when, who was there and what you did.
• Review your safer caring plan with your supervising social worker whenever a new child joins your home.
• If an allegation is made, follow the guidance you are given, ask for information in writing and contact your independent support early.
• Look after yourself. Your wellbeing matters too.

Courses that help

Our course Allegations, Complaints and Your Rights (£25) is written for foster carers in England. In five short modules it explains the difference between an allegation, a standards of care concern and a complaint, what happens step by step (including the LADO's role), your rights and support, how bias can affect allegations, and how to make a complaint and look after your wellbeing. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and you receive a certificate of completion.

You may also find Standards of Care Investigations and Preparing for Professional Meetings useful. Preparing for Professional Meetings is part of our Carer Essentials bundle (£79), and every course, including Allegations, Complaints and Your Rights, is in All-Access: Every Course (£99 for 12 months).

Do not wait until you are facing an allegation to learn your rights. Enrol on Allegations, Complaints and Your Rights today, and go into every part of fostering informed and supported.