Cap. 602 Art. 38Establishment 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 seven members as follows:

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

(b) two persons who have at least four years professional experience in social work;

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

(d) one person who is a social worker with three years experience in foster care;

(e) one person being a warranted psychologist; and

(f) one adult person who had lived in foster care for at least three years.

(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 four (4) 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 by the Minister if such member is no longer fit to continue in his role or became incapable of fulfilling 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) Without prejudice to the provisions of this Act and of any regulation made thereunder, the Fostering Board shall regulate its own procedure.

(7) In every case, the number of members present required for a quorum shall be five and decisions shall be taken by simple majority.

(8) The Chairperson shall have an original vote, and in case of equality of votes, a casting vote.

(9) The Minister shall designate a person to act as Secretary to the Fostering Board and such person shall, as part of his duties, be 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:

Provided that the Secretary to the board shall have no vote.

(10) The Fostering Board shall meet as and when required, so however that it shall meet at least once a month:

Provided that upon a written request by the Minister or the Director Alternative Care (Children and Youths), which request shall be made to the Secretary of the board, the board shall meet not later than forty-eight hours after the request is made.

(11) 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.

(12) The acts and documents of the Fostering Board, and the contents thereof, shall not be viewable, are not to be accessed by anyone, and no copies thereof may be given save to the concerned parties or to their advocate or legal procurator as may be authorized by said parties.

(13) Twice a year, the Fostering Board shall send reports to the Minister on all its activities in the previous six calendar months, and it shall do so within the first fifteen days of the following calendar month.