释义 |
local authority foster parents Persons with whom the local authority places children in its care, whether on a short-term or a long-term basis, as an alternative to institutional care. Foster parenthood does not of itself confer parental responsibility and the child can be removed at any time by the local authority or by the parents (in the case of a child being looked after by a local authority: see looked-after child. Foster parents may, however, acquire parental responsibility if the child has lived with them for one year by applying for a child arrangements order; if granted this will give security to the foster parents while also preserving the links with the natural family. As an alternative, an application may be made for adoption, during which time the child cannot be removed without permission from the court. |