Swindon Borough Council (25 013 443)

Statement Upheld Fostering 19-Aug-2026

Summary: Mr and Mrs Y complained about the Council's handling of safeguarding concerns raised about their care of two foster children. Although the Council has already upheld part of the complaint, shortcomings in its complaint investigation meant the substantive concerns were not fully addressed. We found fault in the Council's handling of the safeguarding process and complaint which caused uncertainty and distress. The Council will make a symbolic payment and invite Mr and Mrs Y to provide a written account to be placed on the Council’s records.

Derby City Council (26 013 552)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Fostering 18-Aug-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to end X’s role in a foster care network. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault in the Council’s decision.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council (26 005 169)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Fostering 30-Jul-2026

Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about care planning for a child and the content of a social work report. This is because the law prevents us from investigating complaints about what happens in court.

Redcar & Cleveland Council (25 012 208)

Statement Upheld Fostering 29-Jul-2026

Summary: The Council was at fault for not following the correct processes when it informed Mr and Mrs X of the concerns it had regarding them as foster carers. The Council was also at fault for its poor record keeping and for failing to retain key documents. It did not hold an exit interview when Mr and Mrs X stopped fostering with the Council which was also fault. The Council will apologise and make a symbolic payment to Mr and Mrs X for the avoidable frustration and uncertainty caused by its faults.

Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council (25 013 303)

Statement Not upheld Fostering 28-Jul-2026

Summary: Mrs X complained about the support she received from the Council in relation to a fostering arrangement. We do not find the Council at fault.

Kent County Council (26 002 580)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Fostering 28-Jul-2026

Summary: We will not investigate Ms X's complaint that the Council relied on inaccurate information when assessing her application to become a respite foster carer. There is no worthwhile outcome to be achieved from further investigation and insufficient evidence of fault to justify our involvement.

London Borough of Hillingdon (25 007 159)

Statement Upheld Fostering 22-Jul-2026

Summary: Miss X complained about the Council’s handling of her application to become a foster carer. She also complained about the way the Council dealt with her complaint. We found the significant delays and failings in the assessment process are fault. As are the failings in the complaint process. These faults raised Miss X’s expectations that she would be accepted as a foster carer and meant she experienced frustration and uncertainty for an extended period of time. The Council will apologise and make a symbolic payment.

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council (26 009 493)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Fostering 14-Jul-2026

Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision about care planning for children. The law prevents us from investigating complaints about the start of court action or what happened in court.

North Yorkshire Council (25 029 003)

Statement Upheld Fostering 02-Jul-2026

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint that the Council asked Ms X to repay overpayments it made to her for foster care. This is because the Council has upheld the complaint and agreed to provide a proportionate remedy during its internal complaints process.

Medway Council (25 029 208)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Fostering 02-Jul-2026

Summary: We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint about a foster care matter. This is because the complaint is late and there are no good reasons to investigate now.