How often will I meet my fostering support worker?

Most foster carers have formal supervision with their fostering support worker at least every six weeks, in line with fostering standards in England. This is a minimum frequency rather than a fixed schedule for every household. Your support worker may arrange meetings more often when you are newly approved, starting a placement, managing a change in circumstances or caring for a child with more complex needs.

Supervision is different from informal contact. A formal session is a planned discussion that is recorded and used to review your fostering practice, the child’s progress and any support or training you need. Informal contact may take place between supervision sessions to answer questions, share information or help you think through an emerging concern. The type and frequency of contact should be agreed with you and kept under review.

Meetings may focus on:

• how the placement is progressing and how the child is responding to care;
• your understanding of the child’s needs, routines, behaviour and relationships;
• your wellbeing and the effect of fostering on other members of the household;
• any incidents, allegations, safeguarding concerns or changes in risk;
• training, development and preparation for upcoming reviews; and
• practical matters such as contact arrangements, appointments, education or working with other professionals.

The frequency can increase when circumstances change. Examples include the start of a new placement, a planned move, a significant change in the child’s behaviour, a disruption to education or contact, illness within the household, or a concern about safety. You should not wait for the next scheduled supervision meeting if something needs attention sooner. Contact your fostering service and explain what has happened so that the appropriate person can advise you.

Meetings may be held in your home, at another suitable location or remotely, depending on the purpose of the discussion and your fostering service’s arrangements. A home visit can help your support worker understand how fostering is working in practice, while a remote meeting may be suitable for a shorter review or follow-up. Any required face-to-face visits, supervision records and safeguarding discussions still need to follow the fostering service’s procedures.

Your support worker should make time for you to speak openly, including about difficulties or disagreement. Supervision is not only a check on whether tasks have been completed; it is also an opportunity to identify support before a manageable issue becomes more serious. You can prepare by noting questions, changes in the child’s presentation, incidents, upcoming meetings and any effect the placement is having on your household.

The child’s social worker may also visit or contact you, but that is separate from meetings with your fostering support worker. The child’s social worker focuses primarily on the child’s care plan and statutory responsibilities, whereas your fostering support worker supports you in your role and monitors your fostering practice. Information may be shared between professionals where necessary to safeguard the child and support the placement.

When a placement is stable, your meetings may follow an agreed routine. The schedule should still be reviewed if your circumstances or the child’s needs change. Ask your fostering service what its supervision policy says, who to contact between meetings and how concerns are recorded, so you know what support is available within your role.