What happens next?

Whenever there are concerns of a child protection nature, the Fostering Service has a duty to inform the Police see Working together to Safeguard Children: HM Government (2005).

Police involvement may be completely unexpected and foster carers report feeling terrified at the thought of being interviewed regards an alleged incident they know nothing about. If you have kept a daily diary of the placement it is perfectly acceptable to take this information with you to the Police Station.

It is usual for the Police to make contact to invite carers at a time convenient to them to attend the interview, so use these few days to compile any written information you think may be relevant.

Fostering Network and FosterTalk have legal help lines that you may consult regarding legal representation at this interview and remember that it is your right to request a duty solicitor to be present. This request in no way infers guilt, rather their explanation of the consequences (on the basis of what is said) may be of extreme benefit in the long term.