Can foster parents choose their respite carer?

Foster parents may be able to choose, or help identify, the person who provides respite care, but the choice is not entirely theirs. Any proposed respite carer must be assessed as suitable for the individual child and approved through the appropriate fostering arrangements before care takes place.

In practice, a foster family can put forward someone they already know and trust, such as another approved foster carer or a carer within their fostering network. This can be helpful when the child is likely to feel more secure with a familiar person. The supervising social worker will normally discuss the proposed arrangement with the foster parent and consider whether it meets the child’s needs, rather than treating the request as an automatic entitlement.

A foster parent cannot usually select an unapproved person to look after a child simply because they are a relative, friend or experienced parent. Anyone providing planned respite must meet the relevant safeguarding, assessment and approval requirements. The exact process depends on who is arranging the care and the type of fostering arrangement involved. The fostering agency and the child’s social worker should clarify whether the proposed carer is already approved, needs to be assessed, or is unsuitable for this particular placement.

The matching decision may consider:

• the child’s age, behaviour, communication needs, health and level of supervision;
• the respite carer’s experience, training, approval category and household circumstances;
• whether the carer can manage the child’s routines, medication, personal care and emotional support;
• the relationship between the child and the proposed respite carer;
• the views of the child, where they are able to express them;
• any safeguarding concerns, risks, restrictions or information that must be managed; and
• whether the proposed arrangement is consistent with the placement plan and wider care plan.

The child’s views are particularly important. A carer who seems suitable on paper may not be the right match if the child feels uncomfortable, does not understand the arrangement or has a history that makes the proposed setting unsuitable. Depending on the child’s age and understanding, they may be involved in discussions, introductory visits or gradual preparation before an overnight stay.

Where a foster parent recommends a particular respite carer, the agency may arrange introductions, exchange relevant information and agree a written plan. This should explain the dates and purpose of the respite, routines, boundaries, delegated responsibilities, health needs, emergency contacts, transport arrangements and what to do if difficulties arise. The foster parent should provide information honestly and in sufficient detail for the respite carer to make safe decisions.

There are also practical limits to choosing a specific person. The preferred carer may not have the right approval, may not be able to meet the child’s needs, or may not be available for the dates required. A child’s circumstances can also change, meaning that a carer who was appropriate previously may need to be reassessed for a later arrangement. For these reasons, it is sensible to identify more than one possible option and discuss alternatives with the supervising social worker.

Respite care should be planned rather than arranged informally. Foster parents should raise their preference as early as possible, explain why the person would be a good match and ask what checks or approvals are needed. They should also ask how the child will be introduced, what information will be shared, who will review the arrangement and how concerns will be reported.

Ultimately, the fostering agency and relevant social care professionals remain responsible for confirming that the arrangement is safe and appropriate. A foster parent’s knowledge of the child is valuable and should inform the decision, but the child’s welfare, safeguarding and care needs take priority over personal preference.