How are foster carers involved in placement matching decisions?

Foster carers are involved in placement matching through an informed discussion and decision-making process, rather than being expected to accept every referral. Their knowledge of their household, approval terms and ability to meet a child’s needs helps the fostering team assess whether a proposed placement is appropriate, safe and sustainable.

When a child needs a foster placement, the child’s social worker and fostering team share relevant information about the child’s circumstances. This may include:

• the child’s age, identity, background and relationships
• their health, education and developmental needs
• their behaviour, communication style and emotional wellbeing
• any known risks, safeguarding concerns or behaviours that could affect others
• contact arrangements with parents, relatives or other important people
• the reason for the placement and how long it may be needed
• the practical arrangements involved, such as school, transport and appointments.

Information sharing must be balanced with confidentiality. Foster carers should receive enough relevant information to make a properly informed decision and care for the child safely. There may be limits on what can be shared, particularly during an emergency or where information is still being established. If important details emerge later, the placement plan should be reviewed with the carer and the child’s social worker.

The fostering team compares the referral with the carer’s approval and household circumstances. This can include the number and ages of children the carer is approved to foster, the type of placements they can consider, their experience, training, household routines, sleeping arrangements, pets, transport and other responsibilities. The team also considers how a placement could affect everyone already living in the home, including birth children and other fostered children.

Foster carers are usually asked to consider practical questions before agreeing to a placement, such as:

• Can the household meet the child’s needs alongside existing commitments?
• Would the child’s age, presentation or experiences be compatible with other children in the home?
• Are the required bedroom and living arrangements available?
• Can the carer manage school travel, family contact, health appointments and professional meetings?
• What support, training or specialist advice might be needed?
• Are there risks that need a clear management plan before the placement starts?

The matching discussion should give carers an opportunity to ask for clarification. They can ask how the child’s needs have been assessed, what is known about previous placements, what contact arrangements are expected, whether there are known risks and which professionals will be involved. They can also explain concerns about the effect on their family or identify information that they need before reaching a decision.

A carer’s views are important, but matching is not based solely on preference. The child’s welfare, safety and needs remain central. A placement may be unsuitable even where the carer has relevant experience, for example if the household cannot manage the child’s contact arrangements, if the combination of children creates a safeguarding concern, or if the placement would exceed the carer’s approved capacity.

Carers can decline a proposed placement where they reasonably believe it is not suitable or cannot be managed safely. Saying no to a particular referral is different from refusing to foster. A responsible decision may protect the child, the carer and other members of the household from a placement that is unlikely to work. Carers should explain their reasons openly so that the fostering team can understand whether further information, support or a different type of referral would be appropriate.

Where a placement appears suitable, the professionals involved should agree how it will begin and what support will be in place. This may include an introductory meeting, a planned transition where circumstances allow, a safer-caring plan, information about routines and communication, and arrangements for contact with the child’s family. An emergency placement may allow less preparation, but the same basic questions about safety, capacity and the child’s immediate needs still apply.

Matching does not end when the child arrives. The placement should be monitored through discussions with the foster carer, the child and relevant professionals. New information, changes in behaviour, difficulties at school or altered family circumstances can all affect whether the arrangements remain appropriate. Foster carers should raise concerns promptly rather than trying to manage significant changes alone. The fostering team can then review the plan and consider additional support or a different arrangement if necessary.

Before applying, prospective carers do not need to know whether they could accept a particular child. During assessment and training, they can discuss the types of placements that may suit their household, the situations they could not safely manage and the boundaries they would need to maintain. This helps establish realistic expectations and gives the fostering team useful information for future matching discussions.