How long does it take to receive a foster placement?

Receiving a foster placement involves a referral and matching process after approval, so the timing depends on when a child’s needs align with your approval, household and availability. Approval means you can be considered for placements; it does not mean that a child will be placed immediately or that every referral will be suitable.

When a child needs foster care, the fostering service considers which approved carers may be able to meet their needs. Information shared with you may include the child’s age, background, routines, health, education, relationships, behaviour and any additional support they require. Your fostering assessment and approval determine the types of placements you can consider, such as the child’s age range, numbers of children, and whether you are approved for specific kinds of care.

The matching process also considers practical circumstances within your household. These can include:

• the space and sleeping arrangements available;
• the skills, experience and training of the foster carers;
• the needs of children already living in the home;
• school, family and community connections that may need to be maintained;
• pets, transport and other household factors; and
• whether the proposed placement fits the commitments and preferences discussed during assessment.

Your fostering team should give you relevant information about a proposed placement so you can make an informed decision. You are not expected to accept every referral. Saying that a placement is not suitable is different from refusing to foster; careful matching helps protect the child and supports the stability of your household.

Once you express interest in a referral, the next steps depend on the child’s circumstances. A planned placement may involve further conversations, introductions, meetings with professionals and arrangements for school, health appointments, contact with family members and belongings. A child who needs an immediate move may require a more rapid decision, with practical details organised around their immediate safety and welfare. The fostering service will explain what is known and what needs to be arranged before the placement begins.

It is also possible for an approved carer to wait between placements. This may happen because the referrals received do not match your approval or household, because you have agreed to take a break, or because the right opportunity has not yet arisen. Waiting does not necessarily indicate a problem with your approval. It is important to keep your fostering team informed if your circumstances change, including changes to work, health, household members, accommodation, transport or the support available to you.

If a referral is agreed, you should receive information about the placement plan and the support available. This normally includes contact with your supervising social worker or fostering team, guidance about the child’s immediate needs, and help to understand arrangements for education, health, family time and other professional involvement. Foster carers also receive ongoing training and support as their experience develops.

Financial arrangements should be discussed before a placement starts. Foster carers generally receive fostering allowances or payments according to the fostering service’s arrangements and the type of care provided. The amount and terms can change, so ask the service to explain the current allowance, any additional payments and the expenses covered for the placement being considered.

For prospective carers across the West Midlands, including Birmingham, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Dudley, Sandwell, Herefordshire, Telford, Wolverhampton, Shropshire, Walsall, Warwickshire, Stoke, Solihull, Coventry and Gloucestershire, the local team can explain how referrals are presented and what happens when a possible match is identified. Become A Foster Family has offices in Droitwich and Stoke, with staff located across the region to provide local support throughout the fostering journey.