Local authorities must do more to ensure that it is easier for foster carers to make decisions for children in their care.
This is the belief of children's minister Tim Loughton who has written to councils urging them to remove unnecessary bureaucracy surrounding the decisions which carers can make.
Mr Loughton highlighted the "fantastic job" which is done by foster carers at providing stability and support for vulnerable children, adding that they should be trusted to make decisions.
"Small but essential matters, such as whether the foster carer can take the child for a haircut, should be agreed at the outset so foster carers don't have to keep seeking permissions from several layers of bureaucracy," he said.
"We must knock down persistent myths, such as Criminal Records Bureau (
CRB) checks always being required before a child can enjoy a sleepover with friends."
Under current government rules, anybody wanting to become a foster carer must first pass a
CRB check to assess their suitability.
Download
CRB forms and find the latest
CRB guidance with Capita RVS.
