How does a fostering agency support carers between placements?

A fostering agency supports carers between placements by keeping their approval active, helping them prepare for suitable referrals and maintaining a clear connection with the fostering service. The period without a child placed is not simply a pause: it can involve planning, reflection, updating information and deciding whether a potential placement is right for the household.

Keeping approval and household information up to date

The agency will usually review whether the carer’s circumstances remain suitable for fostering. This may include changes to employment, health, relationships, household members, pets, accommodation or other commitments. Carers should tell the agency about relevant changes rather than waiting for the next formal review, as these details can affect the type of placement that can safely be considered.

The agency may also check that required records, checks and documents remain current. This helps ensure that a carer’s approval conditions and fostering profile accurately reflect their household, skills, experience and preferences.

Preparing for suitable referrals

When a child or young person needs a placement, the agency considers whether the referral matches the carer’s approval and the needs of everyone in the household. Factors may include:

• the child’s age, relationships and background;
• the type of care and level of support required;
• any health, behavioural, educational or communication needs;
• whether siblings need to be placed together;
• the carer’s experience, training and household arrangements; and
• the impact a placement could have on children or adults already living in the home.

Carers should be given enough information to make an informed decision. They do not have to accept every referral. A responsible agency will consider why a carer feels unable to offer a particular placement and should not treat a declined referral as a failure when the match is unsuitable.

Helping carers remain ready

Between placements, a carer may work with the agency to identify what type of placement could fit their household next. This can include revisiting preferences, considering whether approval terms still reflect the family’s circumstances and discussing any areas where further preparation would be useful. The purpose is not to encourage carers to accept a placement at any cost, but to support safe and realistic decision-making.

Some agencies also provide opportunities for carers to connect with other approved foster carers. Peer contact can help people compare practical experiences, understand how others manage periods between placements and recognise when they need to raise an issue with the agency. The exact arrangements vary, so it is sensible to ask whether support groups, carer meetings or informal peer networks are available.

Reviewing the previous placement

The time between placements can provide an opportunity to reflect on what went well and what was difficult. This might cover communication, household routines, contact arrangements, relationships with professionals or the level of information received before the placement began. A review should lead to practical learning rather than blame, and it may influence future matching decisions or the support offered for a particular type of placement.

Carers may also need space to adjust after a placement ends. Even when a move has been planned, the change can affect the whole household. An agency should give carers a clear opportunity to discuss the transition, raise concerns about outstanding information and understand what happens next. If the placement ended unexpectedly, the agency should explain the process for recording and reviewing the circumstances.

Managing a change in circumstances

A carer may choose to take a break from fostering, become temporarily unavailable because of family circumstances or decide that a different type of placement is more appropriate. The agency should explain how this affects the carer’s approval, records and future matching. Carers should not feel pressured to remain available if their household is not ready.

It is also important to understand what support is available if the household’s needs change. For example, a new job, a move, a change in health or a child joining the family may require the agency to reconsider the practical arrangements for fostering. The agency’s role is to assess the implications and agree sensible next steps with the carer.

Questions to ask a fostering agency

• How will you keep in touch with me when I do not have a placement?
• How often will my circumstances and fostering profile be reviewed?
• What information will I receive before deciding whether to accept a referral?
• Can I decline a placement that is not suitable, and how will that decision be discussed?
• What happens if I need to take a temporary break from fostering?
• How do you support carers after a placement ends?
• Are there opportunities to speak with other approved foster carers?

Support between placements should be clear, consistent and tailored to the carer’s circumstances. When comparing fostering agencies, ask for specific examples of how they maintain contact, review readiness, handle referrals and support carers after a child moves on. These details often reveal more about the practical relationship than a general statement that support is available.