What support will I receive between foster placements?

Between foster placements, support focuses on helping you remain prepared, confident and approved to foster, even when a child is not currently living with you. Become a Foster Family can help you review your previous placement, identify any further development needs and prepare for a suitable future match.

Support may include:

• Placement reviews: time to reflect on what went well, what was difficult and whether any changes are needed before your next placement.
• Maintaining your approval: checks that your household circumstances, skills, availability and fostering arrangements remain suitable. You should tell your fostering service about significant changes, such as a house move, changes to your household or changes in your health.
• Development planning: identifying learning needs and agreeing suitable courses, reading or other development activities. This can help you build knowledge in areas relevant to the children you may care for.
• Preparation for future referrals: discussing the types of placements that may be appropriate for your household, including the age range, needs and behaviours you feel able to support.
• Practical advice: help with questions about routines, safeguarding, recording information, working with professionals and preparing other household members for a future placement.
• Financial information: clarification of the financial arrangements that apply to your fostering role. Payments and allowances can depend on the placement and the fostering service’s current policy, so ask for the precise position relevant to you.

A gap between placements can also be used to consider whether your fostering preferences or household circumstances have changed. You may decide that a different age group, sibling placement or level of need is more suitable, or that you need additional preparation before accepting another referral. Honest discussion is important: the aim is to identify a placement that fits your skills, household and capacity rather than accepting a referral that is unsuitable.

Support between placements does not necessarily mean you must accept the next placement offered. You should have the opportunity to discuss the information available about a child or young person, ask questions and consider whether you can meet their needs safely. If you are unsure, raise this with your supervising team before making a decision.

It is also useful to keep your fostering knowledge current during a gap. Continue with agreed learning, review your policies and records, and consider any actions identified during your last placement review. If a particular experience affected you or another member of your household, discuss it with the fostering team so that appropriate support or further preparation can be considered.

The exact arrangements depend on your circumstances and the policies of the fostering service. When comparing agencies, ask how often foster carers are contacted between placements, how development needs are identified, what happens after a placement ends and who you should approach with questions. These details will help you understand the practical support available throughout your fostering career, not only while a child is placed with you.