diff --git a/docs/public/administration/server-configuration.mdx b/docs/public/administration/server-configuration.mdx
index 12e7b03ce..ecdd7cb73 100644
--- a/docs/public/administration/server-configuration.mdx
+++ b/docs/public/administration/server-configuration.mdx
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ Fabro only reads `settings.toml`. Older `server.toml`, `user.toml`, and `cli.tom
 
 | Scope | Examples |
 |---|---|
-| Server-owned (runtime-only from local `settings.toml`) | `[server.listen]`, `[server.api]`, `[server.web]`, `[server.auth]`, `[server.sandbox]`, `[server.storage]`, `[server.artifacts]`, `[server.scheduler]`, `[server.logging]`, `[server.integrations]` |
+| Server-owned (runtime-only from local `settings.toml`) | `[server.listen]`, `[server.api]`, `[server.web]`, `[server.auth]`, `[server.sandbox]`, `[server.storage]`, `[server.artifacts]`, `[server.scheduler]`, `[server.approvals]`, `[server.logging]`, `[server.integrations]` |
 | Shared run defaults (layered through `.fabro/project.toml`/`workflow.toml`) | `[run.model]`, `[run.prepare]`, `[run.environment]`, `[environments.<slug>]`, `[run.checkpoint]`, `[run.inputs]`, `[run.pull_request]`, `[run.git]`, `[run.hooks]`, `[run.agent]` |
 
 The CLI-only `[cli.*]` sections (including `[cli.target]`) belong in the client machine's `settings.toml`. They tell CLI commands how to reach a server. The server process does not read `[cli.*]` for its own binding or routing.
@@ -76,6 +76,11 @@ region = "us-east-1"
 [server.scheduler]
 max_concurrent_runs = 8
 
+# Server half of the child auto-approval opt-in; a parent workflow must also
+# set `[run.children] auto_approve = true` for its children to skip approval.
+[server.approvals]
+allow_child_auto_approval = true
+
 [server.logging]
 level = "info"
 
@@ -279,10 +284,20 @@ The `[run.*]` sections in `settings.toml` act as defaults for every run.
 
 Run creation uses the registered workflow version's `workflow.toml` above the server defaults, with explicit `RunIntent` arguments at highest precedence. The same rules apply to local and remote clients. Project and user config are not submitted to the create endpoint. Manifest-based preflight, validation, and graph previews still accept their bundled configuration layers.
 
-Server-owned values like `[server.storage]`, `[server.api]`, `[server.web]`, and `[server.scheduler]` come from the server machine's `settings.toml` or `fabro server start` flags. Environments and MCP server references resolve against the server's catalogs.
+Server-owned values like `[server.storage]`, `[server.api]`, `[server.web]`, `[server.scheduler]`, and `[server.approvals]` come from the server machine's `settings.toml` or `fabro server start` flags. Environments and MCP server references resolve against the server's catalogs.
 
 Merge rules follow the normative matrix: TOML `[run.inputs]` tables replace wholesale, explicit intent inputs merge per key at highest precedence, environment `env` and `labels` merge by key, `[run.prepare.steps]` replaces whole-list, and `[[run.hooks]]` merge by optional `id`. Most other fields use "higher-precedence wins" field-wise merging.
 
+### `[server.approvals]` section
+
+Server-owned approval policy for worker-started child runs.
+
+| Key | Description | Default |
+|---|---|---|
+| `allow_child_auto_approval` | Server half of the child auto-approval opt-in | `false` |
+
+Worker-started child runs enter `pending` with `approval_required` unless both this setting and the spawning parent workflow's `[run.children] auto_approve` are enabled. The policy only affects future start requests; a pending child is never retroactively approved by a configuration change. See [Child Runs — Start and approval](/execution/child-runs#start-and-approval).
+
 ### `[server.logging]` section
 
 Configure the server log level and destination.
diff --git a/docs/public/api-reference/fabro-api.yaml b/docs/public/api-reference/fabro-api.yaml
index e5319e4f4..bbc811b92 100644
--- a/docs/public/api-reference/fabro-api.yaml
+++ b/docs/public/api-reference/fabro-api.yaml
@@ -9463,6 +9463,7 @@ components:
       enum:
         - start_requested
         - approved
+        - auto_approved
 
     FailureCategory:
       description: Product-level classification for grouping and retry policy.
@@ -15446,6 +15447,7 @@ components:
         - storage
         - artifacts
         - scheduler
+        - approvals
         - logging
         - integrations
       properties:
@@ -15465,6 +15467,8 @@ components:
           $ref: "#/components/schemas/ServerArtifactsSettings"
         scheduler:
           $ref: "#/components/schemas/ServerSchedulerSettings"
+        approvals:
+          $ref: "#/components/schemas/ServerApprovalsSettings"
         logging:
           $ref: "#/components/schemas/ServerLoggingSettings"
         integrations:
@@ -15638,6 +15642,19 @@ components:
         max_concurrent_runs:
           type: integer
 
+    ServerApprovalsSettings:
+      description: |
+        Server-owned approval policy. `allow_child_auto_approval` is the
+        server half of the child auto-approval opt-in; the workflow half is
+        `[run.children] auto_approve` in the parent workflow's
+        `workflow.toml`, and a worker-started child is auto-approved only
+        when both are enabled.
+      type: object
+      required: [allow_child_auto_approval]
+      properties:
+        allow_child_auto_approval:
+          type: boolean
+
     ServerLoggingSettings:
       type: object
       required: [level, destination]
@@ -15792,6 +15809,7 @@ components:
         - pull_request
         - artifacts
         - integrations
+        - children
       properties:
         goal:
           oneOf:
@@ -15845,6 +15863,19 @@ components:
           $ref: "#/components/schemas/ArtifactsSettings"
         integrations:
           $ref: "#/components/schemas/RunIntegrationsSettings"
+        children:
+          $ref: "#/components/schemas/RunChildrenSettings"
+
+    RunChildrenSettings:
+      description: |
+        How this workflow treats the child runs its workers start. Governs
+        the child's lifecycle start decision, not the child's own
+        agent-interaction approval posture (`run.execution.approval`).
+      type: object
+      required: [auto_approve]
+      properties:
+        auto_approve:
+          type: boolean
 
     RunIntegrationsSettings:
       type: object
diff --git a/docs/public/execution/child-runs.mdx b/docs/public/execution/child-runs.mdx
index 95881df18..dc88b0f01 100644
--- a/docs/public/execution/child-runs.mdx
+++ b/docs/public/execution/child-runs.mdx
@@ -121,7 +121,34 @@ Child run creation and child run execution are separate steps:
 4. **Schedule** - after approval, the child becomes `runnable` and the scheduler starts it when capacity is available.
 5. **Execute** - the child runs its own workflow and writes its own events, checkpoints, artifacts, and outputs.
 
-The approval step prevents a workflow agent from recursively launching executing runs without an operator checkpoint. Approve or deny pending child runs from the web UI or through the run lifecycle API.
+By default, the approval step keeps a workflow agent from recursively launching executing runs without an operator checkpoint. Approve or deny pending child runs from the web UI or through the run lifecycle API.
+
+### Auto-approval
+
+A parent workflow can opt its child starts out of the operator checkpoint with two keys that must both be enabled:
+
+```toml title=".fabro/workflows/dispatcher/workflow.toml"
+[run.children]
+auto_approve = true
+```
+
+```toml title="settings.toml (server)"
+[server.approvals]
+allow_child_auto_approval = true
+```
+
+- `[run.children] auto_approve` belongs to the **parent** workflow: it governs children dispatched by that workflow. It is read from the registered workflow configuration (and the server's `[run]` defaults below it), never from run inputs or `args`.
+- `[server.approvals] allow_child_auto_approval` is the server-owned half, default `false`.
+
+When both are enabled, a child start records an `auto_approved` lifecycle transition and becomes `runnable` in one pass: its approval state reads `approved` with a decision timestamp, and it never projects a transient `pending`. Any other combination keeps the operator checkpoint.
+
+The policy is evaluated when the start request arrives. Turning either key off only affects future starts; already-pending children stay pending and already-runnable children are not revoked.
+
+A worker start of a run that is not its own child always requires operator approval, whatever the policy says: a run-management worker can request the start, but never past the approval predicate.
+
+<Note>
+`args.auto_approve` on `fabro_run_create` is a different knob. It maps to the child run's own `[run.execution] approval` setting and controls the child's *agent-interaction* approval posture, not its lifecycle start. Setting `args.auto_approve` alone never skips the child-start checkpoint.
+</Note>
 
 ## Supervise children
 
diff --git a/docs/public/execution/run-configuration.mdx b/docs/public/execution/run-configuration.mdx
index b4bc7b4f5..d14628877 100644
--- a/docs/public/execution/run-configuration.mdx
+++ b/docs/public/execution/run-configuration.mdx
@@ -108,6 +108,9 @@ type = "sandbox"
 command = ["npx", "@playwright/mcp@latest", "--port", "3100", "--headless"]
 port = 3100
 
+[run.children]
+auto_approve = true
+
 [run.pull_request]
 enabled = true
 draft = false
@@ -489,6 +492,23 @@ Each collection reflects the post-stage workspace state rather than filesystem m
 
 Fabro resolves the configured workspace root but does not recurse through symlinks below it while collecting artifacts. Dependency, cache, and build directories such as `.git`, `node_modules`, `target`, `.venv`, `.cache`, and `dist` are pruned. A collection is limited to 100 files, 10 MB per file, and 50 MB total.
 
+### `[run.children]`
+
+Configure how this workflow treats the [child runs](/execution/child-runs) its workers start.
+
+```toml title="run.toml"
+[run.children]
+auto_approve = true
+```
+
+| Field | Description | Default |
+|---|---|---|
+| `auto_approve` | Auto-approve children this workflow spawns at start | `false` |
+
+This setting belongs to the parent workflow and is the workflow half of the child auto-approval opt-in. A worker-started child only skips the operator approval checkpoint when the server also enables `[server.approvals] allow_child_auto_approval`; any other combination leaves the child pending approval. See [Child Runs — Start and approval](/execution/child-runs#start-and-approval).
+
+`auto_approve` here governs the child's lifecycle start. It is distinct from `args.auto_approve` on `fabro_run_create` (the child's own `[run.execution] approval` posture for agent interactions) and from `[run.execution] approval`, which applies to this run's own agent stages.
+
 ### `[run.agent]`
 
 Configure workflow agent behavior that is not tied to a single stage.
diff --git a/lib/apps/fabro-server/src/server.rs b/lib/apps/fabro-server/src/server.rs
index 27164f760..99a6ec6f1 100644
--- a/lib/apps/fabro-server/src/server.rs
+++ b/lib/apps/fabro-server/src/server.rs
@@ -3769,6 +3769,7 @@ fn apply_lifecycle_to_managed_run(state: &AppState, run_id: RunId, record: &RunL
         RunLifecycleKind::Runnable
         | RunLifecycleKind::StartRequested
         | RunLifecycleKind::Approved
+        | RunLifecycleKind::AutoApproved
         | RunLifecycleKind::Denied
         | RunLifecycleKind::CancelRequested
         | RunLifecycleKind::PauseRequested
diff --git a/lib/apps/fabro-server/src/server/handler/lifecycle.rs b/lib/apps/fabro-server/src/server/handler/lifecycle.rs
index b5b535c93..4d2c01f1a 100644
--- a/lib/apps/fabro-server/src/server/handler/lifecycle.rs
+++ b/lib/apps/fabro-server/src/server/handler/lifecycle.rs
@@ -119,6 +119,59 @@ pub(in crate::server) async fn queue_run_start(
     queue_run(state, id, &run_state, resume, actor).await
 }
 
+/// How a non-resume start is decided for the run's approval gate.
+enum ChildStartDecision {
+    /// Not a worker-started child: queue as runnable, unchanged.
+    NotGated,
+    /// A worker-started child waiting for operator approval.
+    ApprovalRequired,
+    /// A worker-started child approved by policy.
+    AutoApproved,
+}
+
+/// Decide whether a non-resume start of `run_state` needs operator approval.
+///
+/// A worker-started child is auto-approved only when the server enables the
+/// capability and the spawning parent's persisted workflow settings opt in.
+/// A worker start of any other run fails closed to the approval gate: the
+/// run-management path may still request it, but never past the predicate.
+/// The global setting is read here, at the start decision, so a config
+/// reload affects future starts only.
+async fn child_start_decision(
+    state: &AppState,
+    run_state: &fabro_store::RunProjection,
+    actor: &Principal,
+) -> Result<ChildStartDecision, ApiError> {
+    let Principal::Worker { run_id } = actor else {
+        return Ok(ChildStartDecision::NotGated);
+    };
+    if run_state.spec.run_id == *run_id {
+        // A worker's own run — a resume or self-management — keeps its path.
+        return Ok(ChildStartDecision::NotGated);
+    }
+    if run_state.parent_id != Some(*run_id) {
+        // Not this worker's child: there is no spawning parent whose policy
+        // could approve it, so operator approval is required.
+        return Ok(ChildStartDecision::ApprovalRequired);
+    }
+    if !state.server_settings().server.approvals.allow_child_auto_approval {
+        return Ok(ChildStartDecision::ApprovalRequired);
+    }
+    // The spawning parent owns the policy: read it from the parent's own
+    // persisted settings, not from the child's parent link, so reassigning
+    // the link cannot change the decision. A parent whose projection is gone
+    // fails closed to the approval gate.
+    let parent = run_records::projection(state, *run_id)
+        .await
+        .map_err(|err| ApiError::new(StatusCode::INTERNAL_SERVER_ERROR, err.to_string()))?;
+    let opted_in = parent.is_some_and(|parent| parent.spec.settings.run.children.auto_approve);
+    Ok(if opted_in {
+        ChildStartDecision::AutoApproved
+    } else {
+        ChildStartDecision::ApprovalRequired
+    })
+}
+
 /// Queue the run for the scheduler: record that its start was requested
 /// and that it is runnable (or pending approval), and register it as a
 /// managed run in start or resume mode. The caller has checked that the run
@@ -136,11 +189,12 @@ pub(super) async fn queue_run(
         .root()
         .to_path_buf();
     let dot_source = run_state.spec.graph_source.clone().unwrap_or_default();
-    let approval_required = !resume
-        && matches!(
-            &actor,
-            Principal::Worker { run_id } if run_state.parent_id == Some(*run_id)
-        );
+    let decision = if resume {
+        ChildStartDecision::NotGated
+    } else {
+        child_start_decision(state, run_state, &actor).await?
+    };
+    let approval_required = matches!(decision, ChildStartDecision::ApprovalRequired);
     let mut start_requested = RunLifecycleRecord::new(RunLifecycleKind::StartRequested);
     start_requested.source = Some(if resume { "resume" } else { "start" }.to_string());
     let next_status = if approval_required {
@@ -150,12 +204,25 @@ pub(super) async fn queue_run(
     } else {
         RunStatus::Runnable
     };
-    let next = if approval_required {
-        run_records::transition(RunLifecycleKind::Pending, next_status)
-    } else {
-        run_records::runnable(RunRunnableSource::StartRequested)
+    let records = match decision {
+        ChildStartDecision::NotGated => vec![
+            start_requested,
+            run_records::runnable(RunRunnableSource::StartRequested),
+        ],
+        ChildStartDecision::ApprovalRequired => vec![
+            start_requested,
+            run_records::transition(RunLifecycleKind::Pending, next_status),
+        ],
+        // Policy approval is recorded as its own auditable transition before
+        // the runnable state, so the projection never shows a transitive
+        // pending state for an auto-approved child.
+        ChildStartDecision::AutoApproved => vec![
+            start_requested,
+            RunLifecycleRecord::new(RunLifecycleKind::AutoApproved),
+            run_records::runnable(RunRunnableSource::AutoApproved),
+        ],
     };
-    for record in [start_requested, next] {
+    for record in records {
         if let Err(err) = run_records::lifecycle(state, id, record).await {
             return Err(ApiError::new(
                 StatusCode::INTERNAL_SERVER_ERROR,
diff --git a/lib/apps/fabro-server/src/server/tests.rs b/lib/apps/fabro-server/src/server/tests.rs
index a1f978590..5f4b740fe 100644
--- a/lib/apps/fabro-server/src/server/tests.rs
+++ b/lib/apps/fabro-server/src/server/tests.rs
@@ -7989,6 +7989,314 @@ async fn denying_pending_child_run_fails_with_approval_denied() {
     assert!(denied_body["lifecycle"]["approval"]["denial_reason"].is_null());
 }
 
+const CHILD_AUTO_APPROVE_TOML: &str = "_version = 1\n\n[run.children]\nauto_approve = true\n";
+
+/// A JWT-authenticated app whose server settings carry the child
+/// auto-approval opt-in.
+fn child_policy_app(allow_child_auto_approval: bool) -> (Arc<AppState>, Router) {
+    let source = format!(
+        r#"
+_version = 1
+
+[server.auth]
+methods = ["dev-token"]
+
+[server.approvals]
+allow_child_auto_approval = {allow_child_auto_approval}
+"#
+    );
+    let state = test_app_state_with_session_key(
+        server_settings_from_toml(&source),
+        manifest_run_defaults_from_toml(&source),
+        Some(TEST_SESSION_SECRET),
+    );
+    let app = build_router(Arc::clone(&state), jwt_auth_mode());
+    (state, app)
+}
+
+async fn create_run_with_workflow_config(
+    app: &Router,
+    bearer: &str,
+    workflow_toml: Option<&str>,
+) -> RunId {
+    let intent = test_intent_with_bearer(
+        app,
+        "workflow.fabro",
+        MINIMAL_DOT,
+        workflow_toml,
+        Some(bearer),
+    )
+    .await;
+    let response = app
+        .clone()
+        .oneshot(json_bearer_request(Method::POST, "/runs", bearer, &intent))
+        .await
+        .unwrap();
+    let body = response_json!(response, StatusCode::CREATED).await;
+    body["id"].as_str().unwrap().parse::<RunId>().unwrap()
+}
+
+async fn create_child_as_worker(
+    app: &Router,
+    worker_token: &str,
+    parent_run_id: RunId,
+    registrar_bearer: &str,
+) -> RunId {
+    let mut child_intent = test_intent_with_bearer(
+        app,
+        "workflow.fabro",
+        MINIMAL_DOT,
+        None,
+        Some(registrar_bearer),
+    )
+    .await;
+    child_intent["parent_id"] = json!(parent_run_id.to_string());
+    let response = app
+        .clone()
+        .oneshot(json_bearer_request(
+            Method::POST,
+            "/runs",
+            worker_token,
+            &child_intent,
+        ))
+        .await
+        .unwrap();
+    let body = response_json!(response, StatusCode::CREATED).await;
+    body["id"].as_str().unwrap().parse::<RunId>().unwrap()
+}
+
+async fn start_run_as_worker(app: &Router, worker_token: &str, run_id: RunId) -> Response {
+    app.clone()
+        .oneshot(json_bearer_request(
+            Method::POST,
+            &format!("/runs/{run_id}/start"),
+            worker_token,
+            &json!({ "resume": false }),
+        ))
+        .await
+        .unwrap()
+}
+
+async fn child_lifecycle_transitions(state: &AppState, run_id: RunId) -> Vec<String> {
+    state
+        .stores
+        .run_summaries
+        .platform_records()
+        .read(&run_id)
+        .await
+        .unwrap()
+        .iter()
+        .filter_map(|stored| match &stored.record {
+            PlatformRecord::RunLifecycle(record) => Some(record.transition.to_string()),
+            _ => None,
+        })
+        .collect()
+}
+
+#[tokio::test]
+async fn child_start_stays_pending_when_only_the_workflow_opts_in() {
+    let (state, app) = jwt_auth_app();
+    let user_jwt = issue_test_user_jwt();
+    let parent_run_id =
+        create_run_with_workflow_config(&app, &user_jwt, Some(CHILD_AUTO_APPROVE_TOML)).await;
+    let worker_token = issue_test_run_tools_worker_token(&parent_run_id);
+    let child_run_id =
+        create_child_as_worker(&app, &worker_token, parent_run_id, &user_jwt).await;
+
+    let pending_body = response_json!(
+        start_run_as_worker(&app, &worker_token, child_run_id).await,
+        StatusCode::OK
+    )
+    .await;
+    assert_eq!(
+        run_json_status(&pending_body),
+        &json!({
+            "kind": "pending",
+            "reason": "approval_required"
+        })
+    );
+    assert_eq!(
+        pending_body["lifecycle"]["approval"]["state"].as_str(),
+        Some("pending")
+    );
+
+    let runs = state.runs.lock().expect("runs lock poisoned");
+    assert_eq!(
+        runs.get(&child_run_id).map(|run| run.status),
+        Some(RunStatus::Pending {
+            reason: fabro_types::PendingReason::ApprovalRequired,
+        })
+    );
+}
+
+#[tokio::test]
+async fn child_start_stays_pending_when_only_the_server_opts_in() {
+    let (state, app) = child_policy_app(true);
+    let user_jwt = issue_test_user_jwt();
+    let parent_run_id = create_run_with_workflow_config(&app, &user_jwt, None).await;
+    let worker_token = issue_test_run_tools_worker_token(&parent_run_id);
+    let child_run_id =
+        create_child_as_worker(&app, &worker_token, parent_run_id, &user_jwt).await;
+
+    let pending_body = response_json!(
+        start_run_as_worker(&app, &worker_token, child_run_id).await,
+        StatusCode::OK
+    )
+    .await;
+    assert_eq!(
+        run_json_status(&pending_body),
+        &json!({
+            "kind": "pending",
+            "reason": "approval_required"
+        })
+    );
+
+    let runs = state.runs.lock().expect("runs lock poisoned");
+    assert_eq!(
+        runs.get(&child_run_id).map(|run| run.status),
+        Some(RunStatus::Pending {
+            reason: fabro_types::PendingReason::ApprovalRequired,
+        })
+    );
+}
+
+#[tokio::test]
+async fn child_start_is_auto_approved_when_both_opt_ins_are_enabled() {
+    let (state, app) = child_policy_app(true);
+    let user_jwt = issue_test_user_jwt();
+    let parent_run_id =
+        create_run_with_workflow_config(&app, &user_jwt, Some(CHILD_AUTO_APPROVE_TOML)).await;
+    let worker_token = issue_test_run_tools_worker_token(&parent_run_id);
+    let child_run_id =
+        create_child_as_worker(&app, &worker_token, parent_run_id, &user_jwt).await;
+
+    let approved_body = response_json!(
+        start_run_as_worker(&app, &worker_token, child_run_id).await,
+        StatusCode::OK
+    )
+    .await;
+    assert_eq!(
+        run_json_status(&approved_body),
+        &json!({ "kind": "runnable" })
+    );
+    assert_eq!(
+        approved_body["lifecycle"]["approval"]["state"].as_str(),
+        Some("approved")
+    );
+    assert!(
+        approved_body["lifecycle"]["approval"]["decided_at"]
+            .as_str()
+            .is_some()
+    );
+
+    // The lifecycle history records one deliberate policy approval; the
+    // projection never shows a transient pending state.
+    let transitions = child_lifecycle_transitions(state.as_ref(), child_run_id).await;
+    assert!(transitions.contains(&"auto_approved".to_string()));
+    assert!(!transitions.contains(&"pending".to_string()));
+
+    let runs = state.runs.lock().expect("runs lock poisoned");
+    assert_eq!(
+        runs.get(&child_run_id).map(|run| run.status),
+        Some(RunStatus::Runnable)
+    );
+}
+
+#[tokio::test]
+async fn child_start_ignores_client_auto_approve_args_without_policy() {
+    let (_state, app) = jwt_auth_app();
+    let user_jwt = issue_test_user_jwt();
+    let parent_run_id = create_run_with_bearer(&app, &user_jwt).await;
+    let worker_token = issue_test_run_tools_worker_token(&parent_run_id);
+
+    let mut child_intent = test_intent_with_bearer(
+        &app,
+        "workflow.fabro",
+        MINIMAL_DOT,
+        None,
+        Some(&user_jwt),
+    )
+    .await;
+    child_intent["parent_id"] = json!(parent_run_id.to_string());
+    child_intent["args"] = json!({ "auto_approve": true });
+    let response = app
+        .clone()
+        .oneshot(json_bearer_request(
+            Method::POST,
+            "/runs",
+            &worker_token,
+            &child_intent,
+        ))
+        .await
+        .unwrap();
+    let child_body = response_json!(response, StatusCode::CREATED).await;
+    let child_run_id = child_body["id"].as_str().unwrap().parse::<RunId>().unwrap();
+
+    let pending_body = response_json!(
+        start_run_as_worker(&app, &worker_token, child_run_id).await,
+        StatusCode::OK
+    )
+    .await;
+    assert_eq!(
+        run_json_status(&pending_body),
+        &json!({
+            "kind": "pending",
+            "reason": "approval_required"
+        })
+    );
+}
+
+#[tokio::test]
+async fn worker_start_of_runs_it_did_not_spawn_fails_closed_to_approval() {
+    let (state, app) = jwt_auth_app();
+    let user_jwt = issue_test_user_jwt();
+    let parent_run_id = create_run_with_bearer(&app, &user_jwt).await;
+    let unrelated_run_id = create_run_with_bearer(&app, &user_jwt).await;
+    let worker_token = issue_test_run_tools_worker_token(&parent_run_id);
+
+    // A worker can still create an unparented run through the generic route
+    // (the run tools link parents through the management route), but the
+    // start decision treats it as any other unrelated run.
+    let created = create_run_with_bearer(&app, &worker_token).await;
+    let pending_body = response_json!(
+        start_run_as_worker(&app, &worker_token, created).await,
+        StatusCode::OK
+    )
+    .await;
+    assert_eq!(
+        run_json_status(&pending_body),
+        &json!({
+            "kind": "pending",
+            "reason": "approval_required"
+        })
+    );
+
+    // Starting a run the worker did not spawn fails closed to the approval
+    // gate instead of skipping it.
+    let pending_body = response_json!(
+        start_run_as_worker(&app, &worker_token, unrelated_run_id).await,
+        StatusCode::OK
+    )
+    .await;
+    assert_eq!(
+        run_json_status(&pending_body),
+        &json!({
+            "kind": "pending",
+            "reason": "approval_required"
+        })
+    );
+    let projection = state
+        .load_run_projection(&unrelated_run_id)
+        .await
+        .unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(
+        projection.status,
+        RunStatus::Pending {
+            reason: fabro_types::PendingReason::ApprovalRequired,
+        }
+    );
+}
+
 #[tokio::test]
 async fn patch_run_title_rejects_invalid_titles() {
     let app = test_app_with();
diff --git a/lib/components/fabro-petri/src/projection/platform.rs b/lib/components/fabro-petri/src/projection/platform.rs
index eb0519d8a..74a174539 100644
--- a/lib/components/fabro-petri/src/projection/platform.rs
+++ b/lib/components/fabro-petri/src/projection/platform.rs
@@ -221,6 +221,25 @@ fn fold_lifecycle(projection: &mut RunProjection, record: &RunLifecycleRecord, a
                 approval.decided_at = Some(at);
             }
         }
+        Kind::AutoApproved => {
+            // A child start approved by policy: no request preceded the
+            // decision, so the approval is created approved in one step
+            // rather than projected through a transient pending state.
+            match projection.approval.as_mut() {
+                Some(approval) => {
+                    approval.state = RunApprovalState::Approved;
+                    approval.decided_at = Some(at);
+                }
+                None => {
+                    projection.approval = Some(RunApproval {
+                        state:         RunApprovalState::Approved,
+                        requested_at:  at,
+                        decided_at:    Some(at),
+                        denial_reason: None,
+                    });
+                }
+            }
+        }
         Kind::Denied => {
             if let Some(approval) = projection.approval.as_mut() {
                 approval.state = RunApprovalState::Denied;
diff --git a/lib/components/fabro-store/src/platform_records.rs b/lib/components/fabro-store/src/platform_records.rs
index 2424740c9..ca5978399 100644
--- a/lib/components/fabro-store/src/platform_records.rs
+++ b/lib/components/fabro-store/src/platform_records.rs
@@ -310,6 +310,7 @@ pub enum RunLifecycleKind {
     StartRequested,
     Pending,
     Approved,
+    AutoApproved,
     Denied,
     Runnable,
     Starting,
diff --git a/lib/foundation/fabro-api/build.rs b/lib/foundation/fabro-api/build.rs
index 551968fc1..443d29f35 100644
--- a/lib/foundation/fabro-api/build.rs
+++ b/lib/foundation/fabro-api/build.rs
@@ -267,6 +267,11 @@ fn main() {
             "fabro_types::settings::run::RunModelControls",
             &[],
         ),
+        (
+            "RunChildrenSettings",
+            "fabro_types::settings::run::RunChildrenSettings",
+            &[],
+        ),
         (
             "ServerSandboxSettings",
             "fabro_types::settings::server::ServerSandboxSettings",
@@ -307,6 +312,11 @@ fn main() {
             "fabro_types::settings::server::ServerSchedulerSettings",
             &[],
         ),
+        (
+            "ServerApprovalsSettings",
+            "fabro_types::settings::server::ServerApprovalsSettings",
+            &[],
+        ),
         (
             "ServerLoggingSettings",
             "fabro_types::settings::server::ServerLoggingSettings",
diff --git a/lib/foundation/fabro-api/src/lib.rs b/lib/foundation/fabro-api/src/lib.rs
index 8f4707739..0b2c3a1dc 100644
--- a/lib/foundation/fabro-api/src/lib.rs
+++ b/lib/foundation/fabro-api/src/lib.rs
@@ -20,16 +20,17 @@ pub mod types {
     };
     pub use fabro_environment::Environment;
     pub use fabro_types::settings::run::{
-        McpHttpProtocol, RunIntegrationsGithubSettings, RunIntegrationsSettings, RunModelControls,
-        RunModelSettings,
+        McpHttpProtocol, RunChildrenSettings, RunIntegrationsGithubSettings,
+        RunIntegrationsSettings, RunModelControls, RunModelSettings,
     };
     pub use fabro_types::settings::server::{
         GithubIntegrationSettings, GithubIntegrationStrategy, IntegrationWebhooksSettings,
-        LogDestination, ObjectStoreSettings, ServerApiSettings, ServerArtifactsSettings,
-        ServerAuthGithubSettings, ServerAuthMethod, ServerAuthSettings, ServerIntegrationsSettings,
-        ServerListenSettings, ServerLoggingSettings, ServerSandboxProviderSettings,
-        ServerSandboxProvidersSettings, ServerSandboxSettings, ServerSchedulerSettings,
-        ServerStorageSettings, ServerWebSettings, SlackIntegrationSettings, WebhookStrategy,
+        LogDestination, ObjectStoreSettings, ServerApiSettings, ServerApprovalsSettings,
+        ServerArtifactsSettings, ServerAuthGithubSettings, ServerAuthMethod, ServerAuthSettings,
+        ServerIntegrationsSettings, ServerListenSettings, ServerLoggingSettings,
+        ServerSandboxProviderSettings, ServerSandboxProvidersSettings, ServerSandboxSettings,
+        ServerSchedulerSettings, ServerStorageSettings, ServerWebSettings,
+        SlackIntegrationSettings, WebhookStrategy,
     };
     pub use fabro_types::settings::{McpTransport, ServerNamespace};
     pub use fabro_types::status::{
diff --git a/lib/foundation/fabro-api/tests/server_settings_round_trip.rs b/lib/foundation/fabro-api/tests/server_settings_round_trip.rs
index d96002d8f..5455cee0f 100644
--- a/lib/foundation/fabro-api/tests/server_settings_round_trip.rs
+++ b/lib/foundation/fabro-api/tests/server_settings_round_trip.rs
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ use std::any::{TypeId, type_name};
 
 use fabro_api::types::{
     LogDestination as ApiLogDestination, ObjectStoreSettings as ApiObjectStoreSettings,
-    ServerNamespace as ApiServerNamespace,
+    ServerApprovalsSettings as ApiServerApprovalsSettings, ServerNamespace as ApiServerNamespace,
     ServerSandboxProviderSettings as ApiServerSandboxProviderSettings,
     ServerSandboxProvidersSettings as ApiServerSandboxProvidersSettings,
     ServerSandboxSettings as ApiServerSandboxSettings, ServerSettings as ApiServerSettings,
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ use fabro_config::ServerSettingsBuilder;
 use fabro_types::ServerSettings;
 use fabro_types::settings::ServerNamespace;
 use fabro_types::settings::server::{
-    LogDestination, ObjectStoreSettings, ServerSandboxProviderSettings,
+    LogDestination, ObjectStoreSettings, ServerApprovalsSettings, ServerSandboxProviderSettings,
     ServerSandboxProvidersSettings, ServerSandboxSettings,
 };
 
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ fn server_settings_family_reuses_domain_types() {
     assert_same_type::<ApiServerSandboxSettings, ServerSandboxSettings>();
     assert_same_type::<ApiServerSandboxProvidersSettings, ServerSandboxProvidersSettings>();
     assert_same_type::<ApiServerSandboxProviderSettings, ServerSandboxProviderSettings>();
+    assert_same_type::<ApiServerApprovalsSettings, ServerApprovalsSettings>();
 }
 
 #[test]
@@ -76,6 +77,10 @@ strategy = "tailscale_funnel"
     assert_eq!(json["server"]["listen"]["address"], "127.0.0.1:32276");
     assert_eq!(json["server"]["storage"]["root"], "/srv/fabro");
     assert_eq!(json["server"]["logging"]["destination"], "stdout");
+    assert_eq!(
+        json["server"]["approvals"]["allow_child_auto_approval"],
+        false
+    );
     assert_eq!(
         json["server"]["sandbox"]["providers"]["local"]["enabled"],
         true
diff --git a/lib/foundation/fabro-api/tests/workflow_settings_round_trip.rs b/lib/foundation/fabro-api/tests/workflow_settings_round_trip.rs
index c253f217b..8f0860fda 100644
--- a/lib/foundation/fabro-api/tests/workflow_settings_round_trip.rs
+++ b/lib/foundation/fabro-api/tests/workflow_settings_round_trip.rs
@@ -1,8 +1,11 @@
 use std::any::{TypeId, type_name};
 
-use fabro_api::types::WorkflowSettings as ApiWorkflowSettings;
+use fabro_api::types::{
+    RunChildrenSettings as ApiRunChildrenSettings, WorkflowSettings as ApiWorkflowSettings,
+};
 use fabro_config::{EnvironmentLayer, MergeMap, RunLayer, SettingsLayer, WorkflowSettingsBuilder};
 use fabro_types::WorkflowSettings;
+use fabro_types::settings::run::RunChildrenSettings;
 
 fn seeded_environment_catalog() -> MergeMap<EnvironmentLayer> {
     r#"
@@ -29,6 +32,7 @@ fn workflow_settings_from_toml(source: &str) -> WorkflowSettings {
 #[test]
 fn workflow_settings_family_reuses_domain_types() {
     assert_same_type::<ApiWorkflowSettings, WorkflowSettings>();
+    assert_same_type::<ApiRunChildrenSettings, RunChildrenSettings>();
 }
 
 #[test]
@@ -105,6 +109,42 @@ fn workflow_settings_default_run_checkpoint_skip_git_hooks_is_false() {
     assert_eq!(json["run"]["checkpoint"]["skip_git_hooks"], false);
 }
 
+#[test]
+fn workflow_settings_run_children_auto_approve_defaults_to_false() {
+    let settings = workflow_settings_from_toml("_version = 1\n");
+    let json = serde_json::to_value(&settings).expect("workflow settings should serialize");
+    assert_eq!(json["run"]["children"]["auto_approve"], false);
+    assert!(!settings.run.children.auto_approve);
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn workflow_settings_run_children_auto_approve_round_trips() {
+    let settings = workflow_settings_from_toml(
+        r#"
+_version = 1
+
+[run.children]
+auto_approve = true
+"#,
+    );
+
+    let json = serde_json::to_value(&settings).expect("workflow settings should serialize");
+    assert_eq!(json["run"]["children"]["auto_approve"], true);
+
+    let round_trip: ApiWorkflowSettings =
+        serde_json::from_value(json).expect("workflow settings should deserialize");
+    assert_eq!(round_trip, settings);
+    assert!(round_trip.run.children.auto_approve);
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn persisted_run_settings_without_children_field_deserialize_to_default() {
+    // Run specs persisted before `[run.children]` existed omit the field.
+    let legacy: RunChildrenSettings = serde_json::from_value(serde_json::json!({}))
+        .expect("legacy run children settings should deserialize");
+    assert!(!legacy.auto_approve);
+}
+
 fn assert_same_type<T: 'static, U: 'static>() {
     assert_eq!(
         TypeId::of::<T>(),
diff --git a/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/defaults.toml b/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/defaults.toml
index 2a62cfd1f..3a1b8c04b 100644
--- a/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/defaults.toml
+++ b/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/defaults.toml
@@ -39,6 +39,9 @@ url = "http://localhost:3000"
 [server.scheduler]
 max_concurrent_runs = 5
 
+[server.approvals]
+allow_child_auto_approval = false
+
 [server.artifacts]
 provider = "local"
 prefix = ""
diff --git a/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/layers/mod.rs b/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/layers/mod.rs
index cbb0c70de..ff578e184 100644
--- a/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/layers/mod.rs
+++ b/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/layers/mod.rs
@@ -28,15 +28,15 @@ pub use run::{
     GitAuthorLayer, HookAgentMarker, HookEntry, HookTlsMode, InterviewProviderLayer,
     InterviewsLayer, McpEntryLayer, ModelRefOrSplice, NotificationProviderLayer,
     NotificationRouteLayer, PrepareStep, RunAgentLayer, RunArtifactsLayer, RunCheckpointLayer,
-    RunCloneLayer, RunExecutionLayer, RunGitLayer, RunGoalLayer, RunIntegrationsGithubLayer,
-    RunIntegrationsLayer, RunLayer, RunMetaBranchLayer, RunModelControlsLayer, RunModelLayer,
-    RunPrepareLayer, RunPullRequestLayer, RunRunBranchLayer, RunScmLayer, ScmGitHubLayer,
-    StringOrSplice,
+    RunChildrenLayer, RunCloneLayer, RunExecutionLayer, RunGitLayer, RunGoalLayer,
+    RunIntegrationsGithubLayer, RunIntegrationsLayer, RunLayer, RunMetaBranchLayer,
+    RunModelControlsLayer, RunModelLayer, RunPrepareLayer, RunPullRequestLayer, RunRunBranchLayer,
+    RunScmLayer, ScmGitHubLayer, StringOrSplice,
 };
 pub use server::{
     GithubIntegrationLayer, IntegrationWebhooksLayer, ObjectStoreLocalLayer, ObjectStoreS3Layer,
-    ServerApiLayer, ServerArtifactsLayer, ServerAuthGithubLayer, ServerAuthLayer,
-    ServerIntegrationsLayer, ServerLayer, ServerListenLayer, ServerLoggingLayer,
+    ServerApiLayer, ServerApprovalsLayer, ServerArtifactsLayer, ServerAuthGithubLayer,
+    ServerAuthLayer, ServerIntegrationsLayer, ServerLayer, ServerListenLayer, ServerLoggingLayer,
     ServerSandboxLayer, ServerSandboxProviderLayer, ServerSandboxProvidersLayer,
     ServerSchedulerLayer, ServerStorageLayer, ServerWebLayer, SlackIntegrationLayer,
 };
diff --git a/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/layers/run.rs b/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/layers/run.rs
index 9f9056cb2..0bfb305b8 100644
--- a/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/layers/run.rs
+++ b/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/layers/run.rs
@@ -62,6 +62,21 @@ pub struct RunLayer {
     pub artifacts:     Option<RunArtifactsLayer>,
     #[serde(default, skip_serializing_if = "Option::is_none")]
     pub integrations:  Option<RunIntegrationsLayer>,
+    #[serde(default, skip_serializing_if = "Option::is_none")]
+    pub children:      Option<RunChildrenLayer>,
+}
+
+/// `[run.children]` — how this workflow treats the child runs its workers
+/// start. Belongs to the parent workflow: it governs children dispatched by
+/// that workflow, never the run's own agent interactions
+/// (`[run.execution] approval`).
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Default, PartialEq, Serialize, Deserialize, fabro_macros::Combine)]
+#[serde(deny_unknown_fields)]
+pub struct RunChildrenLayer {
+    /// Workflow half of the child auto-approval opt-in; also requires the
+    /// server's `[server.approvals] allow_child_auto_approval`.
+    #[serde(default, skip_serializing_if = "Option::is_none")]
+    pub auto_approve: Option<bool>,
 }
 
 /// `[run.integrations]` — run-level integration knobs.
diff --git a/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/layers/server.rs b/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/layers/server.rs
index e15892707..d9e099e9b 100644
--- a/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/layers/server.rs
+++ b/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/layers/server.rs
@@ -33,6 +33,8 @@ pub struct ServerLayer {
     #[serde(default, skip_serializing_if = "Option::is_none")]
     pub scheduler:    Option<ServerSchedulerLayer>,
     #[serde(default, skip_serializing_if = "Option::is_none")]
+    pub approvals:    Option<ServerApprovalsLayer>,
+    #[serde(default, skip_serializing_if = "Option::is_none")]
     pub logging:      Option<ServerLoggingLayer>,
     #[serde(default, skip_serializing_if = "Option::is_none")]
     pub integrations: Option<ServerIntegrationsLayer>,
@@ -195,6 +197,16 @@ pub struct ServerSchedulerLayer {
     pub max_concurrent_runs: Option<usize>,
 }
 
+/// `[server.approvals]` — server-owned approval policy.
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Default, PartialEq, Serialize, Deserialize, fabro_macros::Combine)]
+#[serde(deny_unknown_fields)]
+pub struct ServerApprovalsLayer {
+    /// Server half of the child auto-approval opt-in. The workflow half is
+    /// `[run.children] auto_approve` in the parent workflow's `workflow.toml`.
+    #[serde(default, skip_serializing_if = "Option::is_none")]
+    pub allow_child_auto_approval: Option<bool>,
+}
+
 /// `[server.logging]` — process-owned logging configuration for the server.
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, Default, PartialEq, Serialize, Deserialize, fabro_macros::Combine)]
 #[serde(deny_unknown_fields)]
diff --git a/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/lib.rs b/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/lib.rs
index d94b046da..31dd029ac 100644
--- a/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/lib.rs
+++ b/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/lib.rs
@@ -47,12 +47,13 @@ pub use layers::{
     HookTlsMode, IntegrationWebhooksLayer, InterviewProviderLayer, InterviewsLayer, LlmLayer,
     LogFilter, McpEntryLayer, MergeMap, ModelRefOrSplice, NotificationProviderLayer,
     NotificationRouteLayer, ObjectStoreLocalLayer, ObjectStoreS3Layer, PrepareStep, ProjectLayer,
-    ReplaceMap, RunAgentLayer, RunArtifactsLayer, RunCheckpointLayer, RunCloneLayer,
-    RunEnvironmentLayer, RunExecutionLayer, RunGitLayer, RunGoalLayer, RunIntegrationsGithubLayer,
-    RunIntegrationsLayer, RunLayer, RunMetaBranchLayer, RunModelControlsLayer, RunModelLayer,
-    RunPrepareLayer, RunPullRequestLayer, RunRunBranchLayer, RunScmLayer, ScmGitHubLayer,
-    ServerApiLayer, ServerArtifactsLayer, ServerAuthGithubLayer, ServerAuthLayer,
-    ServerIntegrationsLayer, ServerLayer, ServerListenLayer, ServerLoggingLayer,
+    ReplaceMap, RunAgentLayer, RunArtifactsLayer, RunCheckpointLayer, RunChildrenLayer,
+    RunCloneLayer, RunEnvironmentLayer, RunExecutionLayer, RunGitLayer, RunGoalLayer,
+    RunIntegrationsGithubLayer, RunIntegrationsLayer, RunLayer, RunMetaBranchLayer,
+    RunModelControlsLayer, RunModelLayer, RunPrepareLayer, RunPullRequestLayer, RunRunBranchLayer,
+    RunScmLayer, ScmGitHubLayer, ServerApiLayer, ServerApprovalsLayer, ServerArtifactsLayer,
+    ServerAuthGithubLayer, ServerAuthLayer, ServerIntegrationsLayer, ServerLayer,
+    ServerListenLayer, ServerLoggingLayer,
     ServerSandboxLayer, ServerSandboxProviderLayer, ServerSandboxProvidersLayer,
     ServerSchedulerLayer, ServerStorageLayer, ServerWebLayer, SettingsLayer, SlackIntegrationLayer,
     StickyMap, StringOrSplice, WorkflowLayer,
diff --git a/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/resolve/run.rs b/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/resolve/run.rs
index 61343f1ec..efaf38f08 100644
--- a/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/resolve/run.rs
+++ b/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/resolve/run.rs
@@ -7,10 +7,11 @@ use fabro_types::settings::run::{
     ArtifactsSettings, GitAuthorSettings, HookDefinition, HookType, InterviewProviderSettings,
     McpServerSettings, McpTransport, MergeStrategy, NotificationProviderSettings,
     NotificationRouteSettings, PreparedStep, PreparedStepRun, PullRequestSettings,
-    ResolvedMcpEntry, RunAgentSettings, RunBranchSettings, RunCheckpointSettings, RunCloneSettings,
-    RunExecutionSettings, RunGitSettings, RunGoal, RunIntegrationsGithubSettings,
-    RunIntegrationsSettings, RunInterviewsSettings, RunModelControls, RunModelSettings,
-    RunNamespace, RunPrepareSettings, RunScmSettings, ScmGitHubSettings, TlsMode,
+    ResolvedMcpEntry, RunAgentSettings, RunBranchSettings, RunCheckpointSettings,
+    RunChildrenSettings, RunCloneSettings, RunExecutionSettings, RunGitSettings, RunGoal,
+    RunIntegrationsGithubSettings, RunIntegrationsSettings, RunInterviewsSettings,
+    RunModelControls, RunModelSettings, RunNamespace, RunPrepareSettings, RunScmSettings,
+    ScmGitHubSettings, TlsMode,
 };
 use fabro_util::workspace_glob::WorkspaceGlob;
 
@@ -18,10 +19,10 @@ use super::{ResolveError, resolve_run_environment};
 use crate::{
     EnvironmentLayer, HookAgentMarker, HookEntry, HookTlsMode, InterviewProviderLayer,
     InterviewsLayer, McpEntryLayer, MergeMap, ModelRefOrSplice, NotificationProviderLayer,
-    NotificationRouteLayer, RunAgentLayer, RunArtifactsLayer, RunCheckpointLayer, RunCloneLayer,
-    RunExecutionLayer, RunGitLayer, RunGoalLayer, RunIntegrationsGithubLayer, RunIntegrationsLayer,
-    RunLayer, RunModelLayer, RunPrepareLayer, RunPullRequestLayer, RunRunBranchLayer, RunScmLayer,
-    StickyMap, StringOrSplice,
+    NotificationRouteLayer, RunAgentLayer, RunArtifactsLayer, RunCheckpointLayer, RunChildrenLayer,
+    RunCloneLayer, RunExecutionLayer, RunGitLayer, RunGoalLayer, RunIntegrationsGithubLayer,
+    RunIntegrationsLayer, RunLayer, RunModelLayer, RunPrepareLayer, RunPullRequestLayer,
+    RunRunBranchLayer, RunScmLayer, StickyMap, StringOrSplice,
 };
 
 pub fn resolve_run(
@@ -74,6 +75,15 @@ pub fn resolve_run(
         pull_request,
         artifacts: resolve_artifacts(layer.artifacts.as_ref(), errors),
         integrations: resolve_integrations(layer.integrations.as_ref(), errors),
+        children: resolve_children(layer.children.as_ref()),
+    }
+}
+
+fn resolve_children(children: Option<&RunChildrenLayer>) -> RunChildrenSettings {
+    RunChildrenSettings {
+        auto_approve: children
+            .and_then(|children| children.auto_approve)
+            .unwrap_or(false),
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/resolve/server.rs b/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/resolve/server.rs
index 8ce62c516..7b60f9ac9 100644
--- a/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/resolve/server.rs
+++ b/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/resolve/server.rs
@@ -5,11 +5,11 @@ use fabro_types::SandboxProviderKind;
 use fabro_types::settings::server::{
     GithubIntegrationSettings, GithubIntegrationStrategy, IntegrationWebhooksSettings,
     ObjectStoreProvider, ObjectStoreSettings, SandboxPluginSettings, ServerApiSettings,
-    ServerArtifactsSettings, ServerAuthGithubSettings, ServerAuthMethod, ServerAuthSettings,
-    ServerIntegrationsSettings, ServerListenSettings, ServerLoggingSettings, ServerNamespace,
-    ServerSandboxProviderSettings, ServerSandboxProvidersSettings, ServerSandboxSettings,
-    ServerSchedulerSettings, ServerStorageSettings, ServerWebSettings, SlackIntegrationSettings,
-    WebhookStrategy,
+    ServerApprovalsSettings, ServerArtifactsSettings, ServerAuthGithubSettings, ServerAuthMethod,
+    ServerAuthSettings, ServerIntegrationsSettings, ServerListenSettings, ServerLoggingSettings,
+    ServerNamespace, ServerSandboxProviderSettings, ServerSandboxProvidersSettings,
+    ServerSandboxSettings, ServerSchedulerSettings, ServerStorageSettings, ServerWebSettings,
+    SlackIntegrationSettings, WebhookStrategy,
 };
 use fabro_util::Home;
 
@@ -50,6 +50,13 @@ pub fn resolve_server(layer: &ServerLayer, errors: &mut Vec<ResolveError>) -> Se
                 .and_then(|scheduler| scheduler.max_concurrent_runs)
                 .expect("defaults.toml should provide server.scheduler.max_concurrent_runs"),
         },
+        approvals: ServerApprovalsSettings {
+            allow_child_auto_approval: layer
+                .approvals
+                .as_ref()
+                .and_then(|approvals| approvals.allow_child_auto_approval)
+                .unwrap_or(false),
+        },
         logging: ServerLoggingSettings {
             level:       layer
                 .logging
diff --git a/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/tests/resolve_run.rs b/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/tests/resolve_run.rs
index 8aa76566f..a3774e558 100644
--- a/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/tests/resolve_run.rs
+++ b/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/tests/resolve_run.rs
@@ -2000,3 +2000,28 @@ command = ["fs-server"]
         );
     }
 }
+
+#[test]
+fn run_children_auto_approve_defaults_to_false() {
+    let settings = super::workflow_settings_from_layer(SettingsLayer::default())
+        .expect("empty settings should resolve")
+        .run;
+
+    assert!(!settings.children.auto_approve);
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn run_children_auto_approve_resolves_from_workflow_toml() {
+    let settings = super::workflow_settings_from_toml(
+        r#"
+_version = 1
+
+[run.children]
+auto_approve = true
+"#,
+    )
+    .expect("[run.children] should resolve")
+    .run;
+
+    assert!(settings.children.auto_approve);
+}
diff --git a/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/tests/resolve_server.rs b/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/tests/resolve_server.rs
index 33995be1f..58497e78f 100644
--- a/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/tests/resolve_server.rs
+++ b/lib/foundation/fabro-config/src/tests/resolve_server.rs
@@ -681,3 +681,27 @@ methods = ["dev-token", "github"]
     assert!(dev_token_auth_enabled(&both));
     assert!(!dev_token_auth_enabled(&SettingsLayer::default()));
 }
+
+#[test]
+fn child_auto_approval_is_disabled_by_default() {
+    let settings = resolve_server(&empty_settings_with_auth_methods());
+
+    assert!(!settings.approvals.allow_child_auto_approval);
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn child_auto_approval_resolves_from_server_config() {
+    let layer = parse(
+        r#"
+_version = 1
+
+[server.auth]
+methods = ["dev-token"]
+
+[server.approvals]
+allow_child_auto_approval = true
+"#,
+    );
+
+    assert!(resolve_server(&layer).approvals.allow_child_auto_approval);
+}
diff --git a/lib/foundation/fabro-types/src/settings/run.rs b/lib/foundation/fabro-types/src/settings/run.rs
index 5faefc4cc..1862a8470 100644
--- a/lib/foundation/fabro-types/src/settings/run.rs
+++ b/lib/foundation/fabro-types/src/settings/run.rs
@@ -45,6 +45,7 @@ pub struct RunNamespace {
     pub pull_request:  Option<PullRequestSettings>,
     pub artifacts:     ArtifactsSettings,
     pub integrations:  RunIntegrationsSettings,
+    pub children:      RunChildrenSettings,
 }
 
 #[expect(
@@ -74,6 +75,7 @@ impl Default for RunNamespace {
             pull_request:  None,
             artifacts:     ArtifactsSettings::default(),
             integrations:  RunIntegrationsSettings::default(),
+            children:      RunChildrenSettings::default(),
         }
     }
 }
@@ -597,6 +599,24 @@ pub struct RunIntegrationsSettings {
     pub github: RunIntegrationsGithubSettings,
 }
 
+/// `[run.children]` — how this workflow treats the child runs its workers
+/// start.
+///
+/// This governs the child's *lifecycle* start decision (whether the child
+/// waits for operator approval), not the child's own agent-interaction
+/// approval posture (`run.execution.approval`, which `RunIntentArgs
+/// .auto_approve` maps to). It is the workflow half of the child
+/// auto-approval opt-in; the server half is `server.approvals
+/// .allow_child_auto_approval`, and both must be enabled.
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Default, PartialEq, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+#[serde(default)]
+pub struct RunChildrenSettings {
+    /// Whether children this workflow spawns are auto-approved at start.
+    /// Absent or `false` keeps every worker-started child pending operator
+    /// approval.
+    pub auto_approve: bool,
+}
+
 /// `[run.integrations.github]` — runtime GitHub token shape.
 ///
 /// `permissions` is empty when no token should be requested. The
diff --git a/lib/foundation/fabro-types/src/settings/server.rs b/lib/foundation/fabro-types/src/settings/server.rs
index d66a83154..7395cdf90 100644
--- a/lib/foundation/fabro-types/src/settings/server.rs
+++ b/lib/foundation/fabro-types/src/settings/server.rs
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@ pub struct ServerNamespace {
     pub storage:      ServerStorageSettings,
     pub artifacts:    ServerArtifactsSettings,
     pub scheduler:    ServerSchedulerSettings,
+    pub approvals:    ServerApprovalsSettings,
     pub logging:      ServerLoggingSettings,
     pub integrations: ServerIntegrationsSettings,
 }
@@ -50,6 +51,7 @@ impl ServerNamespace {
             storage:      ServerStorageSettings::default(),
             artifacts:    ServerArtifactsSettings::default(),
             scheduler:    ServerSchedulerSettings::default(),
+            approvals:    ServerApprovalsSettings::default(),
             logging:      ServerLoggingSettings::default(),
             integrations: ServerIntegrationsSettings::default(),
         }
@@ -256,6 +258,19 @@ pub struct ServerSchedulerSettings {
     pub max_concurrent_runs: usize,
 }
 
+/// `[server.approvals]` — server-owned approval policy.
+///
+/// The policy is only half of the child auto-approval opt-in: a workflow must
+/// also declare `[run.children] auto_approve` for a worker-started child to
+/// skip the operator approval gate.
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Default, PartialEq, Eq, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+pub struct ServerApprovalsSettings {
+    /// Whether policy approval of worker-started child runs is available on
+    /// this server at all. Absent or `false` keeps every child start on the
+    /// pending-approval path.
+    pub allow_child_auto_approval: bool,
+}
+
 #[derive(
     Debug,
     Clone,
diff --git a/lib/foundation/fabro-types/src/status.rs b/lib/foundation/fabro-types/src/status.rs
index 1a7db7061..b9eb4eeb4 100644
--- a/lib/foundation/fabro-types/src/status.rs
+++ b/lib/foundation/fabro-types/src/status.rs
@@ -600,7 +600,8 @@ mod tests {
     }
 }
 
-/// What made a run runnable: its start request, or its approval.
+/// What made a run runnable: its start request, its approval, or a policy
+/// that approved its child start.
 #[derive(
     Debug,
     Clone,
@@ -618,4 +619,5 @@ mod tests {
 pub enum RunRunnableSource {
     StartRequested,
     Approved,
+    AutoApproved,
 }
diff --git a/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/.openapi-generator/FILES b/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/.openapi-generator/FILES
index c97704a3c..5dcf5a945 100644
--- a/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/.openapi-generator/FILES
+++ b/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/.openapi-generator/FILES
@@ -380,6 +380,7 @@ models/run-artifact.ts
 models/run-branch-settings.ts
 models/run-checkpoint-settings.ts
 models/run-checkpoint.ts
+models/run-children-settings.ts
 models/run-client-provenance.ts
 models/run-clone-settings.ts
 models/run-commit-parent.ts
@@ -485,6 +486,7 @@ models/secret-list-response.ts
 models/secret-metadata.ts
 models/secret-type.ts
 models/server-api-settings.ts
+models/server-approvals-settings.ts
 models/server-artifacts-settings.ts
 models/server-auth-github-settings.ts
 models/server-auth-method.ts
diff --git a/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/models/index.ts b/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/models/index.ts
index f57e1de38..5000cc41f 100644
--- a/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/models/index.ts
+++ b/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/models/index.ts
@@ -351,6 +351,7 @@ export * from './run-artifact-list-response';
 export * from './run-branch-settings';
 export * from './run-checkpoint';
 export * from './run-checkpoint-settings';
+export * from './run-children-settings';
 export * from './run-client-provenance';
 export * from './run-clone-settings';
 export * from './run-commit';
@@ -455,6 +456,7 @@ export * from './secret-list-response';
 export * from './secret-metadata';
 export * from './secret-type';
 export * from './server-api-settings';
+export * from './server-approvals-settings';
 export * from './server-artifacts-settings';
 export * from './server-auth-github-settings';
 export * from './server-auth-method';
diff --git a/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/models/run-children-settings.ts b/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/models/run-children-settings.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c9a1c648f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/models/run-children-settings.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+/* tslint:disable */
+/* eslint-disable */
+/**
+ * Fabro Run API
+ * HTTP API for managing Fabro workflow run executions.
+ *
+ * The version of the OpenAPI document: 0.2.0
+ *
+ *
+ * NOTE: This class is auto generated by OpenAPI Generator (https://openapi-generator.tech).
+ * https://openapi-generator.tech
+ * Do not edit the class manually.
+ */
+
+
+
+/**
+ * How this workflow treats the child runs its workers start. Governs the child\'s lifecycle start decision, not the child\'s own agent-interaction approval posture (`run.execution.approval`).
+ */
+export interface RunChildrenSettings {
+    'auto_approve': boolean;
+}
diff --git a/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/models/run-namespace.ts b/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/models/run-namespace.ts
index 56093d25d..b7be42f68 100644
--- a/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/models/run-namespace.ts
+++ b/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/models/run-namespace.ts
@@ -36,6 +36,9 @@ import type { RunBranchSettings } from './run-branch-settings';
 import type { RunCheckpointSettings } from './run-checkpoint-settings';
 // May contain unused imports in some cases
 // @ts-ignore
+import type { RunChildrenSettings } from './run-children-settings';
+// May contain unused imports in some cases
+// @ts-ignore
 import type { RunCloneSettings } from './run-clone-settings';
 // May contain unused imports in some cases
 // @ts-ignore
@@ -89,4 +92,5 @@ export interface RunNamespace {
     'pull_request': PullRequestSettings | null;
     'artifacts': ArtifactsSettings;
     'integrations': RunIntegrationsSettings;
+    'children': RunChildrenSettings;
 }
diff --git a/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/models/run-runnable-source.ts b/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/models/run-runnable-source.ts
index 35d0db75b..8e55ede5b 100644
--- a/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/models/run-runnable-source.ts
+++ b/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/models/run-runnable-source.ts
@@ -20,7 +20,8 @@
 
 export const RunRunnableSource = {
     START_REQUESTED: 'start_requested',
-    APPROVED: 'approved'
+    APPROVED: 'approved',
+    AUTO_APPROVED: 'auto_approved'
 } as const;
 
 export type RunRunnableSource = typeof RunRunnableSource[keyof typeof RunRunnableSource];
diff --git a/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/models/server-approvals-settings.ts b/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/models/server-approvals-settings.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..d73084bad
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/models/server-approvals-settings.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+/* tslint:disable */
+/* eslint-disable */
+/**
+ * Fabro Run API
+ * HTTP API for managing Fabro workflow run executions.
+ *
+ * The version of the OpenAPI document: 0.2.0
+ *
+ *
+ * NOTE: This class is auto generated by OpenAPI Generator (https://openapi-generator.tech).
+ * https://openapi-generator.tech
+ * Do not edit the class manually.
+ */
+
+
+
+/**
+ * Server-owned approval policy. `allow_child_auto_approval` is the server half of the child auto-approval opt-in; the workflow half is `[run.children] auto_approve` in the parent workflow\'s `workflow.toml`, and a worker-started child is auto-approved only when both are enabled.
+ */
+export interface ServerApprovalsSettings {
+    'allow_child_auto_approval': boolean;
+}
diff --git a/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/models/server-namespace.ts b/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/models/server-namespace.ts
index 43cbd5202..539a547b2 100644
--- a/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/models/server-namespace.ts
+++ b/lib/packages/fabro-api-client/src/models/server-namespace.ts
@@ -18,6 +18,9 @@
 import type { ServerApiSettings } from './server-api-settings';
 // May contain unused imports in some cases
 // @ts-ignore
+import type { ServerApprovalsSettings } from './server-approvals-settings';
+// May contain unused imports in some cases
+// @ts-ignore
 import type { ServerArtifactsSettings } from './server-artifacts-settings';
 // May contain unused imports in some cases
 // @ts-ignore
@@ -53,6 +56,7 @@ export interface ServerNamespace {
     'storage': ServerStorageSettings;
     'artifacts': ServerArtifactsSettings;
     'scheduler': ServerSchedulerSettings;
+    'approvals': ServerApprovalsSettings;
     'logging': ServerLoggingSettings;
     'integrations': ServerIntegrationsSettings;
 }