What responsibilities do foster carers have between placements?

Between placements, foster carers remain approved members of the fostering service and continue to have professional responsibilities. These include keeping the agency informed about changes in their circumstances, taking part in required checks and reviews, considering placement requests carefully, and maintaining their readiness to care for a child or young person.

Considering whether a placement is suitable

Foster carers are not expected to accept every placement request. A proposed placement should be discussed with the fostering service so the carer can understand the child’s needs and consider whether the match is appropriate. Important points may include:

• the child’s age, identity, background and relationships with family members;
• any emotional, behavioural, physical or educational needs;
• the likely duration and legal status of the placement;
• transport, school, contact and appointment arrangements;
• the effect on other children and adults in the household; and
• whether the carer has the skills, space and practical capacity to provide the required care.

A careful discussion before accepting a placement helps avoid unsuitable matches. Foster carers should ask questions, raise concerns and explain any limits honestly. The final decision should be based on the child’s welfare as well as the household’s ability to meet the placement plan.

Keeping the fostering service informed

Carers should notify their fostering service about significant changes that could affect their approval or ability to foster. Examples can include a change of address, household members, relationship status, employment, health, finances or other caring commitments. New pets, changes to sleeping arrangements and plans to move may also need to be discussed.

Providing accurate information allows the agency to assess whether any additional checks, advice or changes to the household plan are needed. It is better to report a change early than to assume it is unimportant.

Maintaining professional records and confidentiality

Fostering involves handling sensitive information about children and their families. Between placements, carers should continue to protect confidential documents, messages and electronic records. Information about a previous child should not be discussed with people who do not need to know it, including on social media or in informal conversations.

Carers may also need to complete outstanding administration, return documents and confirm that records from a previous placement have been stored or passed on in the required way. The fostering service will explain its own procedures for recording significant events, expenses, medication, contact arrangements and other placement information.

Preparing the household for a new arrival

Practical preparation can include checking that the child’s bedroom and personal storage are ready, replacing essential items, reviewing household routines and making sure important contact details are accessible. Carers should consider how introductions, school travel, appointments, family contact and transport would work in practice.

Preparation also involves talking with everyone in the household. Children already living at home may need age-appropriate information about what fostering could mean for them, including changes to routines, privacy and shared spaces. Relatives, friends and regular visitors should understand the importance of respecting the child’s privacy and boundaries.

Using support and reflecting on previous placements

A gap between placements can be used to reflect on what went well, what was difficult and what support might be useful in future. This is not about judging the carer or the child. It helps identify practical adjustments, further advice or changes to the type of placement considered next.

Foster carers should raise unresolved concerns, including the impact of a previous placement on themselves or other household members. Discussing these matters with the fostering service can help ensure that a carer is genuinely ready before another child is placed.

Managing finances and practical commitments

Foster carers should keep their fostering-related paperwork organised and understand how their fostering payments, expenses and tax position are handled during a period without a placement. Arrangements differ between fostering services and can depend on the type of approval and the terms of the agreement, so carers should obtain current guidance rather than rely on information from another carer.

They should also consider whether work, holidays, health appointments or other commitments could affect their ability to accept a placement. Any planned absence or period when they cannot foster should be discussed with the fostering service in line with its procedures.

In practical terms, the responsibility between placements is to remain informed, honest about capacity and properly prepared. The fostering service should explain the specific duties attached to the carer’s approval, including which notifications, records and reviews are required.