Cap. 569 Art. 33Establishment of the Fostering Board.

(1) There shall be a Board, to be known as the Fostering Board, appointed by the Minister, which shall consist of five members as follows:

(a) one person shall be a Chairperson and shall have at least seven years professional experience of practice in foster care;

(b) one person who has at least five years of professional experience in any one of the mental health professions;

(c) one person who is, or was, a foster carer for a period of at least three years; and

(d) two persons who, in the opinion of the Minister, have adequate knowledge and are proficient in the area of foster care and that at least one of the persons is a social worker.

(2) The members referred to in the foregoing sub-article may be appointed at any time during the term of office of the Fostering Board.

(3) The members of the Fostering Board shall be appointed by the Minister for a period of two years and shall on the expiration of their term of office be eligible to be re-appointed as members.

(4) Any member of the Fostering Board may be removed from office by the Minister if, in his opinion, such member is unfit to continue in office, or has become incapable of, or is not, properly performing his duties as a member.

(5) In the event that any member of the Fostering Board vacates his office before completing his term, the member appointed in his stead shall be so appointed for the unexpired period of the original appointment.

(6) Subject to the provisions of this Act and to any regulations made thereunder, the Fostering Board shall regulate its own procedure.

(7) In every case, the number of members needed at a meeting to responsible for the keeping of the relevant records and shall carry out such other work related to the functions of the Fostering Board as may be instructed by the Chairperson. The Secretary to the Board shall have no vote.

(9) The Fostering Board shall meet as and when necessary, provided it meets at least once a month. In the case of a written request by the Minister or the Agency, which request shall be transmitted through the Secretary of the Board, such Board shall meet by not later than forty-eight hours following the request.

(10) In the exercise of its functions under this Act, the Fostering Board may consult with professionals or other persons as it may deem appropriate. For such purpose, the Fostering Board may invite any such professional or other person to attend meetings of the Board.

(11) The members of the Fostering Board, the Secretary to such Board and any person involved in the proceedings before the Fostering Board shall be bound by confidentiality.

(12) The acts and documents of the Fostering Board shall not be open to inspection, nor shall copies thereof be given, except by or to the Director, by or to the parties concerned or by or to any advocate or legal procurator authorised by such parties.

(13) The Fostering Board shall submit to the Minister bi-annual reports of all its activities during the preceding six months by not later than fifteen days of the following month.