309.Voluntary organisations which provide accommodation for children are currently regulated under section 59 and 64 of the Children Act 1989, but the position of fostering agencies acting on behalf of local authorities is far less clear. In schedule 2 of the Children Act 1989 (paragraph 12(g)) and subsequent regulations (Foster Placement (Children) Regulations (SI 1991 No 910, regulation 8), local authorities are given powers to delegate the fostering arrangements for any particular child to a voluntary organisation. Agencies recruit and approve prospective foster parents to care for children who are looked after by local authorities, and then provide support for the placement and training for the foster parents whilst the child is placed with them.
ANNEX 1: Existing Legislation The Children Act 1989 Fostering