If, within 28 days, no representations are received and no application is made to the IRM, the decision maker is free to decide whether or not to approve
the applicant as a foster carer (following a full assessment), continue the assessment (following a brief report) or amend their terms of approval.
Where an
applicant has been approved previously, or is currently approved,
as a
foster carer or prospective adopter, regulation 26 (1A) gives the
fostering service undertaking the current assessment the power to request access to records about the
applicant held by the
fostering service or adoption agency which granted the approval (provided that the
applicant consents).