How long might you wait for a foster placement?

The wait for a foster placement can range from a short period to considerably longer, depending on when a suitable referral is made and whether it fits the approval agreed for your household. Foster placements are not allocated strictly in turn. A child’s needs and welfare come first, so the matching process must identify a safe and appropriate arrangement rather than simply offer the next available placement.

Once you are approved, your fostering team can discuss referrals with you. Information may include the child’s age, routines, health, education, behaviour, relationships, background and the type of support they need. You can consider whether the referral is suitable for your household before making a decision. You are not expected to accept every referral, and declining a proposal should not be treated as a failure; it may be the responsible decision if the arrangement would not work safely or effectively.

Several practical points can affect how long you wait:

• Your approval: The age range, number of children, placement type and other terms of your approval determine which referrals can be considered.
• Your household: Bedrooms, other children, pets, work arrangements and the availability of support may affect whether a proposed placement is appropriate.
• The type of placement: Emergency, short-term, long-term, respite, parent-and-child and other arrangements arise at different times and require different considerations.
• The level of need: Some children require carers with particular skills, experience, training or household circumstances, which can narrow the number of suitable matches.
• Matching information: A decision may take longer if professionals need to clarify important details about the child or the proposed care arrangement.

Before a placement is agreed, the supervising social worker and other professionals should help you understand the referral and assess the practical implications. This can include discussing contact arrangements, education, transport, health appointments, known risks, family relationships and the support available. Where appropriate, you may be able to meet the child before the placement begins, although this depends on the circumstances and the type of placement.

The matching process can involve more than one discussion. You may need time to read the information, ask questions and consider how the placement would affect everyone in your household. If the referral is accepted, introductions and planning may take place before the child moves in, unless the situation is an emergency. These steps are intended to reduce avoidable disruption and make sure the practical arrangements are understood.

You can make the waiting period more useful by keeping your fostering team informed about changes in your circumstances. Tell them if your availability, household composition, bedroom arrangements, work pattern or ability to transport a child changes. It is also sensible to remain familiar with your training, keep required records up to date and think carefully about the age range and needs you could realistically support. Being clear about your boundaries helps professionals identify suitable referrals; it does not mean you should agree to a placement that is outside your approval or capability.

If you have been waiting and are unsure what is happening, ask your supervising social worker or fostering team to explain your current approval, the kinds of referrals being considered and whether any further information or training would help. A longer wait does not necessarily indicate a problem with your application or approval. It may mean that the referrals available so far have not been safe or suitable matches for your household.

Become a Foster Family supports applicants and approved foster carers through the matching process, including people across Birmingham, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Dudley, Sandwell, Herefordshire, Telford, Wolverhampton, Shropshire, Walsall, Warwickshire, Stoke, Solihull, Coventry and Gloucestershire. Its offices are in Droitwich and Stoke, with staff located across the region to provide local support when needed.