What support is available between local fostering placements?

Between local fostering placements, approved foster carers should continue to receive professional supervision, development opportunities and practical guidance from their fostering agency. The exact arrangement depends on the agency, the carer’s approval, and whether the previous placement ended recently or the household is preparing for a new match.

Support commonly includes:

• Supervision and welfare checks: A supervising social worker should remain your main point of contact. They can discuss how the household is managing, review any concerns from the previous placement and identify support needed before another child or young person is considered.
• Placement debriefing: When a placement ends, it is useful to review what happened, what worked well and whether any incidents, allegations or safeguarding matters require further action. This can help ensure records are complete and that everyone understands the next steps.
• Training and development: Foster carers are expected to keep their knowledge and skills up to date. Between placements, training may cover areas such as safeguarding, trauma, attachment, managing behaviour, first aid, recording or supporting children with additional needs. Your agency should explain which learning is required and how it contributes to your ongoing development.
• Advice about readiness: A carer may need time to consider whether the household is ready for another placement. Factors can include the effect of the previous placement, family circumstances, health, work commitments, bedroom arrangements and the needs that the household can safely manage. A decision not to accept a particular referral does not necessarily mean that approval has ended.
• Help with future matching: Your fostering team should discuss the type of placement that may be suitable, including age range, behaviours, contact arrangements, sibling groups and the likely level of support required. You should be given enough information to make an informed decision rather than feeling pressured to accept a referral.
• Peer and specialist support: Some fostering services provide support groups, mentoring, therapeutic advice or access to specialist workers. Ask what is available locally and whether support can include other members of your household, who may also need an opportunity to discuss their experiences.

Your approval and fostering records may continue to be reviewed even when no child is living with you. This can include supervision records, training records, annual reviews, safer-care arrangements and any changes in your circumstances. You should tell the agency about relevant changes, such as a change of address, household member, health, employment or criminal circumstances, so that your approval remains appropriately assessed.

Financial arrangements need particular clarification. Payments are often linked to an active placement, while other support or allowances may depend on the fostering agency’s policy and your circumstances. Before accepting approval, ask for a written explanation of what happens financially between placements, which costs may be reimbursed, and whether any payments depend on training, availability or placement type. Do not rely on a general statement that financial support is available without checking the current terms.

If you are considering a break, ask whether this will be recorded as a temporary pause, a change to your approval or a request to resign. The consequences can differ, particularly if you later want to foster again. A clear discussion with your supervising social worker can help you understand your options and agree a realistic plan for maintaining contact, completing required training and considering future placements.

Before accepting a new placement, review the child’s known needs, your household’s capacity, practical arrangements and the support plan. Raise unanswered questions before agreeing. Good between-placement support should leave you informed about your responsibilities, clear about the help available and able to decide whether a proposed placement is suitable for your household.