How are foster carers involved in placement decisions in Birmingham?

Foster carers in Birmingham are involved in placement decisions through a matching and consultation process. They do not make the final decision about a child’s care plan, but their knowledge of their household, skills and approval is essential when considering whether a placement is suitable and safe.

The local authority remains responsible for the child’s placement. The child’s social worker and other professionals involved in their care identify the type of home the child needs. They consider factors such as the child’s age, experiences, relationships, education, health, behaviour, culture, identity and contact arrangements. The fostering service then considers whether a particular carer can meet those needs within their approved terms.

Before a possible match is discussed, the fostering team will look at the information held about the child and compare it with the carer’s household circumstances. This can include:

• the carer’s approval category, age range and number of children they can care for;
• their fostering experience, employment background, training and relevant personal skills;
• the needs of children already living in the household;
• the available bedroom and the practical layout of the home;
• the household’s safer caring arrangements, including pets and visitors;
• the location of the placement, school, family contact and other services; and
• any support, supervision or specialist input that may be needed.

When a potential placement is identified, the carer should receive relevant information about the child before agreeing to proceed. The amount of information available can vary, particularly where a placement is being arranged quickly, but it should be sufficient to support a responsible decision. The discussion may cover the child’s history, routines, health, education, behaviour, relationships, contact with family members and any known risks.

Foster carers can ask questions and raise concerns at this stage. They should consider whether they understand the child’s needs, whether those needs fit within their approval and experience, and how the placement could affect everyone already living in the home. It is appropriate to ask for clarification where information is unclear or to explain that further assessment, training or support may be needed before a placement can be considered.

A carer can say that they do not believe a proposed match is suitable. Agreeing to a placement should be an informed decision rather than an expectation that every referral must be accepted. The fostering team and the local authority should take the carer’s views seriously, particularly where they identify a safeguarding concern, a conflict with another household member’s needs or a practical issue that could affect the placement.

For some children, the matching decision also involves considering how relationships will be managed after the move. Foster carers may discuss arrangements for contact with parents, brothers and sisters or other important people, as well as transport, school attendance and appointments. These practical matters can have a significant effect on whether the placement is workable for the child and the household.

Once the relevant information has been considered, the fostering service, the child’s social worker and the proposed carer reach a decision about whether to proceed. The decision should reflect the child’s welfare and the carer’s ability to provide consistent care. Where a placement is agreed, the carer should be told about the immediate plan for the child’s arrival and the support available to help them put the agreed arrangements into practice.

Placement decisions do not end when the child moves in. Foster carers contribute to ongoing reviews by sharing observations about the child’s presentation, progress, relationships, routines and emerging needs. Their day-to-day information helps social workers assess whether the care plan remains appropriate and whether additional support or changes are required. Carers should also report concerns promptly through the agreed channels, rather than waiting for a scheduled review.

In practical terms, the foster carer’s role is to provide an informed view of what their household can offer, examine the information provided, ask relevant questions and participate in planning. The final arrangements must comply with the child’s care plan, safeguarding requirements and the decisions of the responsible local authority, while also taking account of the carer’s professional judgement and the realities of family life.