What information will I receive before my first foster placement?

Before your first foster placement, you should receive enough clear, relevant information to make an informed decision and understand your responsibilities as a foster carer. This normally includes the child’s assessed needs, the proposed arrangements for day-to-day care, the expectations placed on you and the support available if circumstances change.

The information is usually shared through a combination of conversations, written documents and meetings with the fostering team. You should have an opportunity to ask questions before agreeing to the placement, rather than being expected to rely on a brief summary. If important information is not yet known, this should be explained clearly, along with how the uncertainty will be managed.

Information about the proposed arrangements may include:

• the reason the child is entering foster care and the aims of the placement;
• who has legal responsibility for the child and which decisions you may make on a day-to-day basis;
• arrangements for consent, permissions and sharing information with professionals;
• the people involved in the child’s care, such as social workers, education staff, health professionals and family members;
• how important decisions will be communicated and recorded; and
• what to do if you are worried about the child’s safety, behaviour or wellbeing.

You should also be told about safeguarding expectations. This includes how to respond to allegations or disclosures, how to report concerns, what records to keep and how confidentiality applies. A child’s information must be handled carefully: it should only be shared with people who have a legitimate role in supporting the child, following the relevant procedures.

Practical information can be just as important as background information. You may need to understand arrangements for school attendance, appointments, transport, clothing, personal belongings, activities and communication with the child’s family. You should be clear about who arranges each task, which costs can be claimed through the fostering allowance or other agreed financial arrangements, and when you need approval before spending or making a commitment.

Before the child arrives, discuss how the household will manage the change. This can include introductions to other children in the home, sleeping arrangements, household rules, pets, visitors, privacy, safe use of technology and any adjustments needed to reduce risk. The fostering team should consider whether the proposed placement is suitable for everyone in the household, not only whether there is a spare bedroom.

Ask for clarification about the information you receive. Useful questions include:

• What are the child’s known triggers, strengths and calming strategies?
• What routines are important at the start of the placement?
• What contact arrangements are expected, and who supervises or reviews them?
• Which decisions can I make without further permission?
• Who should I contact with an urgent concern or a routine question?
• What information may change after the child arrives, and how will updates be shared?

Information may develop as professionals learn more about the child and observe how the placement progresses. A change does not necessarily mean that the placement is unsuitable, but significant changes should be discussed with you so that risks, practical demands and support can be reviewed. Keep the documents and contact details you receive in an accessible but secure place, and make a note of questions that arise during the first days.

You are not expected to know everything before the first placement. You are expected to understand the key arrangements, know how to raise a concern and be honest about anything that could affect your ability to provide care. A careful exchange of information helps you, the child and the wider professional network begin with shared expectations.