What happens when a respite foster placement ends?

When a respite foster placement ends, the foster carer’s role usually changes from day-to-day care to helping the child settle into their next arrangement and closing the placement properly. The exact steps depend on the child’s care plan, the reason for the move and the professionals involved.

Before the child leaves

You will normally be given clear arrangements for the handover, including where the child is going, who will collect or receive them, what information needs to be passed on and which belongings should travel with them. Use this opportunity to share practical observations, such as changes in mood, sleep, routines, eating, medication or behaviour. Keep the information factual and avoid making promises about what will happen next.

Help the child prepare in a calm, age-appropriate way. Remind them of the plan using language they can understand, allow time for questions and give them space to express mixed feelings. A child may appear settled but still feel worried, disappointed or uncertain about leaving. Keeping the final routine predictable can make the change easier to manage.

Belongings and records

Check that the child has everything they arrived with, as well as items provided during the stay. This may include clothing, school equipment, medication, comfort items, contact details and important documents. If something has been lost or damaged, report it rather than concealing the issue.

Complete any recording required by your fostering service while the details are fresh. Notes should distinguish between what you directly observed, what the child said and your own professional interpretation. Store records securely and only share information with people who are authorised to receive it.

The handover

At handover, pass on relevant information to the person responsible for the child’s next care arrangement. This could include the child’s current routine, successful ways of offering reassurance, known triggers, recent events and any appointments or commitments. Do not discuss confidential information in front of the child unless it is appropriate and they are included in the conversation.

The child’s privacy and dignity should remain central. Avoid presenting the ending as a rejection or asking them to choose between adults. A simple, consistent explanation is usually more helpful than a lengthy discussion. If the child becomes distressed, tell the supervising professional so that the transition can be managed safely.

After the placement

Your fostering service may arrange a debrief or review after the child has left. This is a chance to discuss what went well, any concerns, incidents, safeguarding matters and whether further support or training would be useful. Be open about difficulties, even if they seemed minor at the time; patterns can be important when planning future respite care.

You may also need to complete final records, return equipment and confirm any outstanding practical matters. Fostering payments and expenses are handled according to the placement agreement and the fostering service’s procedures, so check what applies rather than assuming that arrangements are the same for every placement.

It is normal for a respite carer to think about the child after they leave. However, contact must follow the agreed plan and confidentiality requirements. Do not arrange private contact or share personal details without permission from the responsible professionals. If you remain concerned about the child, raise this through your supervising social worker or the appropriate fostering team.

Ending one placement does not automatically mean you must accept another. Before considering future respite care, reflect on your household’s experience, allow other family members to share their views and discuss any changes in your circumstances with your fostering service. This helps ensure that future placements are considered safely and realistically.