What happens between foster placements?

There is no fixed timetable between foster placements. Once a foster carer has been approved, they normally remain approved when they are not caring for a child. The period between placements is used to maintain approval requirements, review how the previous placement ended, deal with any outstanding practical matters and consider whether a proposed referral is suitable for the household.

A foster placement may end because a child returns to their birth family, moves to another long-term arrangement, reaches a planned transition point or needs a different type of support. After the move, the supervising social worker will usually discuss the ending with the foster carer. This can include reviewing what went well, identifying difficulties, checking that records are complete and considering whether any follow-up work is needed. If there has been an allegation, complaint or safeguarding concern, additional procedures may need to be completed before another placement is considered.

Foster carers do not have to accept every referral. A fostering service should provide information about a child’s age, needs, background, routines, contact arrangements and any known risks. Carers can then consider questions such as:

• Is the child’s age and level of need within the terms of the household’s approval?
• Can the home provide the required bedroom, space, privacy and equipment?
• How would the placement affect other children or adults in the household?
• Can the family manage school arrangements, appointments, contact and transport?
• Are there behaviours, health needs or support requirements that need to be understood before a decision is made?

It is important to raise concerns before agreeing to a placement. Accepting a referral without understanding its likely impact can create avoidable pressure for the child and the household. A decision not to accept a particular referral should be discussed openly with the fostering service, especially if the reason relates to a change in circumstances or to the carer’s approval terms.

While no child is living in the home, foster carers may continue to have supervision meetings, reviews and contact with their fostering service. They can use this time to update records, revisit safer-care arrangements, strengthen their knowledge and discuss any support they may need. Training requirements can also continue after approval, so carers should keep track of required courses and learning agreed with their supervising social worker.

The household may also need to make practical checks before a new placement begins. These can include ensuring that the child’s bedroom is ready, checking household safety arrangements, replacing used supplies, reviewing transport plans and discussing expectations with everyone who lives in or regularly visits the home. Foster carers should avoid buying specialist items or making major arrangements until the child’s needs are known, as requirements differ from one placement to another.

Foster carers should tell their fostering service about significant changes between placements. Examples may include changes to health, employment, relationships, household members, pets, accommodation or the availability of the main carer. These changes do not necessarily prevent someone from continuing to foster, but they may need to be assessed and could affect the type of placement considered.

Financial arrangements between placements vary according to the fostering service and the terms of the carer’s agreement. Payments and allowances are often linked to a child being placed, so carers should ask their fostering service how its policy applies when there is no placement. It is also sensible to plan household finances on the basis that the gap between placements can vary.

Some approved carers choose to take a planned pause before considering another placement. They should agree this with their fostering service, explain the reason for the pause and confirm what needs to happen before they are available again. The important point is that being between placements is an active part of fostering rather than an automatic end to the role: the carer remains in contact with the service, keeps their approval responsibilities up to date and makes an informed decision when a suitable referral is proposed.