How are foster carers matched with children in Redditch?

A placement match is a suitability decision made before a child moves in, based on the information available about the child, the approved foster carer and everyone living in the household. The aim is to identify a home that can meet the child’s needs safely and consistently, rather than simply choosing the nearest available carer.

The matching process usually considers:

• the child’s age, development and day-to-day care needs;
• any health, emotional or behavioural support required;
• the child’s history, identity, culture, religion, language and relationships;
• contact arrangements with parents, siblings or other significant people;
• the carer’s approval, training, experience and relevant skills;
• the number and ages of children already living in the household;
• the available bedroom and home environment;
• school, transport and travel requirements; and
• the effect of the proposed placement on the whole household.

Information is shared before a decision is made. The child’s social worker provides details about the child and the reason they need foster care. The fostering service then considers which approved carers may be able to provide the required care. This information may include the child’s routines, interests, strengths, anxieties, known triggers, health needs, education, family contact and any risks that need to be managed.

Foster carers should be given enough information to make an informed decision. There may be details that cannot be shared because of confidentiality, safeguarding or legal restrictions, but the available information should explain the important practical issues and the support the child is likely to need.

A carer’s approval is an important part of the match. During assessment and approval, the fostering service considers the type of placements the household may be able to offer. This can include the age range, number of children, whether sibling groups could be considered and any areas where particular experience or training is needed. A proposed placement should fit within those approved arrangements, unless the relevant professionals agree that an exception is safe and appropriate.

Matching also looks at the household’s circumstances. For example, the team may consider the needs of the carer’s own children, other foster children, pets or adults in the home. It may look at how much supervision is required, whether the household can manage appointments and contact, and whether the proposed arrangements would give each child enough privacy, stability and attention.

Carers are involved in discussing the referral. The social worker and fostering team may talk through the child’s circumstances, the expected length and type of placement, important risks, contact arrangements and the practical support available. Carers can ask questions and should raise any concerns before agreeing. Saying that a placement is not suitable is part of responsible fostering; accepting a placement that cannot be managed safely is not in the child’s or carer’s interests.

Where circumstances allow, introductions may take place before the child moves in. These can help the child and carer learn about one another, understand routines and prepare for the transition. The length and form of introductions will depend on the child’s age, circumstances and how urgently a placement is needed. A child who needs an immediate safe placement may move in before a gradual introduction is possible.

Once a placement is agreed, the adults involved create a placement plan. This sets out practical arrangements such as routines, school, health appointments, family time, communication, delegated authority and who to contact if difficulties arise. The plan may be updated as more is learned about the child and their needs.

A match is reviewed after the placement begins. Early conversations help identify whether the arrangements are working and whether additional guidance, training or practical support is needed. The child’s social worker, supervising social worker and other professionals may contribute to reviews. If new information changes the level of care required, the team should reassess the arrangements rather than expecting the household to manage unsupported.

For someone considering fostering in Redditch, the most useful preparation is to be open about your household, experience, strengths and limits. Honest information helps the fostering team consider placements that are realistic and safe. You do not need to have experience of every situation before applying, but you do need to engage with assessment, training and professional advice so that your skills can develop for the children you may care for.