136.This section provides for regulations imposing requirements concerning the exercise of a local authority’s relevant fostering functions as defined by section 43(3)(b). Parallel provision is made in respect of “relevant adoption functions” by amendment to section 9(3) of the Adoption Act 1976. The powers mirror, with necessary adjustments, those in section 22 with the intention that similar standards should apply to both local authority and independent sector services. Regulations may provide for the fitness of workers, the suitability of premises; management and control of operations; numbers and types of workers and their management and training. By section 52 the regulations may provide that breach of a specified provision is a summary offence, punishable by a fine not exceeding level 4(∗). The equivalent power in the Adoption Act 1976 is in section 9(4), as amended by this Act.
Commentary on Sections Part Iii  Local Authority Services Section 48  Regulation of the exercise of relevant fostering functions