How is a child’s view included in respite care planning?
A child’s view is included in respite care planning by asking about their preferences, routines, worries and communication needs in an age-appropriate way. Their views should inform the choice of respite carer, the arrangements for the stay and any later review, with an independent advocate or trusted adult involved where appropriate.
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A child’s view should be recorded, considered and acted on throughout respite care planning, not collected as a one-off conversation. The child’s social worker and foster carer should explain the proposed arrangement in language the child can understand, check that they have understood it, and show how their views have influenced the plan.
The child’s involvement should be proportionate to their age and understanding. A young child may communicate through play, drawing, behaviour or a familiar adult, while an older child may prefer a direct discussion or written explanation. Children with additional communication needs may need visual prompts, an interpreter, specialist communication support or extra time. The method should be adapted to the individual child rather than assuming that a verbal answer is the only reliable view.
Planning should distinguish between what the child wants, what they feel uncertain about and what they need adults to decide for safeguarding or welfare reasons. A child’s preference is important, but it may not determine every aspect of the arrangement. For example, adults may need to consider risk information, the suitability of the proposed household, other children in the home, medication, education and contact arrangements. If a preference cannot be followed, the child should receive a clear, honest explanation rather than being left to assume that their views were ignored.
Before respite takes place, the child should be given practical information about the plan. This may include where they will stay, who will be responsible for them, how long the arrangement is expected to last, what belongings they should take and how they can contact trusted people. Where appropriate, a visit, introduction or other familiarisation activity can help the child understand what will happen. Information should be revisited if the plan changes, particularly if the respite arrangement is being considered at short notice.
The child’s social worker should make sure their views are reflected in relevant records and planning documents. This includes any factors that may affect whether respite is suitable, such as previous experiences of changes in placement, relationships with household members, cultural or religious needs, health requirements, and the effect of separation from their usual foster family. The child’s wishes should not be treated as a general statement detached from the circumstances in which they were expressed.
During the respite stay, the child should have a way to raise questions or concerns. They should know which adults they can speak to and how to ask for help if they feel unsafe, unhappy or confused. Foster carers should listen without making promises they cannot keep, pass safeguarding concerns to the appropriate professional and record significant information accurately. Changes in behaviour, mood or communication may also indicate that the child is finding the arrangement difficult and should be discussed with the supervising or social worker.
Afterwards, the child’s experience should be reviewed privately and in a suitable format. Adults can ask what worked, what was difficult, what they would change and whether anything about the arrangement made them feel unsafe. The review should include the child’s own words where possible, while avoiding pressure to provide a positive account. Their feedback can inform whether the same respite arrangement is appropriate in future, whether introductions or support need to change, and whether a different plan should be considered.
Confidentiality must be handled carefully. A child should be told that information will be shared with the people who need it to support or protect them. They should not be promised complete secrecy if they disclose abuse, neglect or another safeguarding concern. Their views should also be shared respectfully, limiting personal information to what is relevant to planning and review.
For foster carers, the practical responsibility is to create regular opportunities for the child to speak, notice non-verbal communication, avoid leading questions and pass information on promptly. The child should be treated as a participant in the decision-making process, while adults retain responsibility for making safe, lawful decisions in their best interests.
For a looked-after child, respite care should be considered as part of their wider care plan, not as a separate childcare decision. Their views can be brought into the statutory review process, where the child, social worker, foster carer and independent reviewing officer can consider whether the arrangement supports the child’s stability and welfare.
This is particularly important when respite is repeated or circumstances change. The review should consider whether the arrangement remains appropriate, whether it affects the child’s relationships or sense of security, and whether the child wants any part of the plan reconsidered. Involving the child in this wider review helps ensure that their views continue to influence planning rather than being collected only when respite is first arranged.
Learn more about respite care planning
If you are considering respite care, speak with our fostering team about how a child’s views can be included in safe, carefully considered planning. We can help you understand the next steps and the support available to foster families.