Can I choose which foster carer opportunities to apply for?

You can express preferences about the foster carer opportunities you would consider, but applications and placements are guided by an assessment and matching process. Your fostering team will look at your approval, skills, household circumstances and the needs of the child or young person before discussing a potential opportunity with you.

Preferences are considered during your initial discussions, assessment and ongoing reviews. You may be able to talk about matters such as:

• whether you are interested in short-term, long-term, respite or other types of fostering;
• the age range and number of children you feel able to care for;
• whether you could consider sibling placements;
• the level of support or experience you have in relation to particular needs;
• how fostering would fit with work, family commitments, pets and other aspects of your household; and
• any practical limitations, such as sleeping arrangements, travel or school and contact arrangements.

These preferences help the fostering team understand which opportunities may be suitable. They are not the same as choosing a child or selecting any placement independently. Your approval will set out the type of fostering you are assessed and prepared to undertake, and this provides an important boundary for future proposals.

When a possible opportunity is identified, the team should give you relevant information about the child’s circumstances, needs, routines, relationships and any known challenges. You can ask questions so that you understand what would be involved. Matching is not based only on whether you have a spare bedroom or are willing to foster; it also considers whether your skills, experience, relationships and support network are appropriate for that particular child.

You are allowed to consider whether an opportunity is right for your household. If you have concerns, raise them before agreeing to a placement. Useful questions may include:

• What is known about the child’s needs and behaviour?
• What contact will the child have with parents, relatives or other important people?
• What support, training and professional involvement will be available?
• How might the placement affect other children or adults in the household?
• What arrangements are expected for education, health appointments, transport and daily routines?
• Is the proposed placement within your approval and current capacity?

It is important to be honest rather than agreeing because you feel under pressure. Accepting a placement that does not fit your household can create difficulties for everyone, including the child. A careful discussion allows the fostering team to identify concerns, clarify what support is needed and decide whether the proposal is suitable.

Your preferences may change over time. For example, experience, training, changes to your household or a change in work circumstances may affect the types of opportunity you can consider. Keep your supervising team informed so that your approval, skills and circumstances remain accurately understood.

During the application process, you can use your assessment and training discussions to explore the choices available to you. The fostering team can explain which opportunities may fit your circumstances, what preparation is involved and how decisions are made. The final aim is a safe, well-considered match rather than simply finding the first available placement.