How often will I meet my foster carer support worker?

You will meet your foster carer support worker through regular supervision and review meetings, with additional contact arranged when the child’s circumstances, your responsibilities or a safeguarding concern require closer support. There is no single timetable that suits every fostering household, so the pattern of meetings is agreed as part of your support arrangements and kept under review.

Meetings are normally arranged in advance and may take place in your home or another suitable setting. Depending on the purpose of the contact, your support worker may also speak with you by telephone or video call. A visit gives you an opportunity to discuss day-to-day fostering, while supervision provides a more structured space to consider your practice, the child’s progress and any decisions that need to be recorded.

The frequency of contact can be influenced by several factors, including:

• the child’s age, needs and personal history;
• whether the placement is newly started, changing or approaching an important review;
• the level of support or supervision required for particular behaviours or risks;
• significant events, such as a change in contact arrangements, education, health or family circumstances;
• your experience as a foster carer and any additional guidance you are receiving; and
• the need to coordinate information with the child’s social worker, education professionals or other members of the fostering team.

When a placement is settled, meetings may follow the agreed supervision pattern. Contact may become more frequent when a placement is new, a child’s needs alter, or you identify an issue that cannot wait until the next scheduled meeting. Equally, a review may confirm that the existing arrangement remains appropriate. Any change should be discussed with you rather than left unclear.

Use each meeting to raise practical matters as well as concerns. Useful topics can include the child’s routines, relationships, behaviour, emotional wellbeing, school attendance, health appointments, family time, recording requirements and the effect of fostering on other members of your household. You can also discuss your own training needs, confidence in managing a situation and whether the agreed support remains suitable.

Your support worker should help you distinguish between matters for routine supervision and issues that need to be reported through safeguarding or placement procedures. Do not wait for the next planned meeting if you are worried about immediate safety, an allegation, a serious incident or a significant change in the child’s welfare. Follow the reporting arrangements provided by your fostering service and contact the relevant professional named in your guidance.

After supervision, agreed actions should be clear, including who is responsible for each step and when it will be reviewed. Keeping your own notes of questions, incidents and decisions can help you make productive use of meetings. If you are unsure how often contact should take place, ask your support worker to explain the current arrangement, what would trigger an earlier meeting and how to request further supervision.