What happens if a fostering agency cannot offer a suitable placement?

If a fostering agency cannot offer a suitable placement, you normally remain approved to foster and should receive a clear explanation of the position. A lack of an immediate match does not, by itself, mean that you have failed the assessment or that your approval is at risk. The agency should continue to consider whether future referrals fit your approval, household and ability to meet a child’s needs.

Why a suitable placement may not be available

Fostering placements are made through careful matching rather than on a first-come, first-served basis. An agency may not have a suitable referral because:

• the child’s age, needs or circumstances fall outside your approval;
• the placement would not be appropriate alongside children or other household members;
• the referral requires a level of experience, training or specialist support that is not yet available;
• the child needs a particular type of placement, such as siblings placed together, a solo placement or a placement near their school and family; or
• the proposed arrangement would not be safe or sustainable for the child, you or others in your household.

The agency should provide enough information for you to understand why a referral is unsuitable, while respecting the child’s privacy and confidentiality. Details about a child must only be shared on a need-to-know basis.

What the agency should do next

Your supervising social worker or another member of the fostering team should review your approval and discuss the kinds of referrals that may be appropriate. This may include looking at the child’s age range, number of children, sleeping arrangements, geographic considerations, experience and any additional training or support needed.

The agency should keep your circumstances under review rather than treating approval as a guarantee of a placement. If your situation changes, tell the agency promptly. Changes such as a new job, a change in household members, health circumstances, available bedroom space or other caring responsibilities may affect which placements can be considered.

What you can ask before accepting a referral

You should be given relevant information about the proposed placement before making a decision. Depending on the circumstances, this may include the child’s age, background, relationships, health, education, behaviour, known risks, contact arrangements and the reason the placement is needed. You should also ask:

• What support will be available from the agency and other professionals?
• What training or preparation is required?
• How will contact with the child’s parents or relatives be managed?
• What practical arrangements are in place for school, health appointments and transport?
• What are the expectations around recording information, meetings and reviews?
• How will the agency respond if the placement becomes difficult?

It is reasonable to ask for time to consider the information and to discuss it with the people in your household. The agency should take your views seriously and should not present an unsuitable match as your only opportunity to foster.

If the agency rarely has suitable referrals

If a considerable period passes without a suitable referral, ask for a review meeting. Discuss whether your approval accurately reflects your circumstances, whether further training could broaden the types of placements considered, and whether the agency’s placement activity matches the approval it gave you. You can also ask how referrals are assessed and how often your supervising social worker expects to review your availability and circumstances.

A placement cannot be guaranteed because referrals depend on the needs of children and on decisions made by placing authorities. However, the agency should be able to explain how it identifies potential matches and how it will support you while you are waiting for an appropriate referral.

Considering another fostering agency

If you believe your current agency cannot offer the kind of placements for which you were approved, you can ask about your options, including whether another agency may be more suitable. Do not simply begin fostering through a second agency without first understanding the approval and transfer arrangements. You may need to give notice, share relevant records and complete further checks or assessment steps, depending on your circumstances and the route you choose.

Before changing agency, compare its approach to matching, training, out-of-hours arrangements, supervision, allowances, placement support and the types of placements it usually considers. Ask how the agency would handle a move and what information would be transferred so that your assessment, approval and previous experience are properly understood.

When to seek further advice

Raise concerns with your supervising social worker or the agency’s manager if you feel pressured to accept a referral, are not receiving clear information, or believe a proposed placement has not been properly assessed. If the issue is not resolved, use the agency’s complaints procedure and keep a written record of the concerns you raised and the response you received. You may also seek independent advice from a fostering support organisation or social care professional.

The central test is whether the placement is safe, properly assessed and likely to meet the child’s needs while remaining manageable for your household. A careful decision not to proceed with an unsuitable referral is part of responsible fostering practice, not a failure to help.