How are foster carers involved in placement decisions in Shropshire?

Foster carers do not make placement decisions alone, but their views are an important part of the matching process in Shropshire. The fostering service considers whether a proposed placement fits the carer’s approval, household circumstances, experience and capacity, while the child’s local authority remains responsible for deciding where the child should live and arranging the placement.

Before a placement is agreed, the carer should receive relevant information about the child or young person. This may include their age, background, health, education, relationships with family members, behaviour, routines and known risks. Information is shared in line with confidentiality and safeguarding requirements, so it may not always provide a complete picture, particularly where the placement is arranged quickly.

The carer’s supervising social worker or a member of the fostering team will usually discuss the referral with them. This is an opportunity to consider whether the placement is suitable for:

• the carer’s approval category and any conditions attached to it;
• the ages, number and needs of children already living in the household;
• the carer’s skills, experience, training and confidence;
• the practical arrangements, including school, transport, contact with family and appointments;
• the effect the placement may have on everyone in the household; and
• any safeguarding, health or risk-management issues that need a clear plan.

Foster carers are expected to give an honest view rather than agree to a placement that they believe they cannot manage safely. They can ask for clarification, identify concerns and explain what support or practical arrangements would be needed. A decision to accept or decline a particular referral should be discussed with the fostering service so that the reasons are understood and any concerns can be recorded.

Matching is based on more than a child’s age. The professionals involved may consider the child’s identity, culture, religion, language, relationships, emotional development, medical needs and previous experiences. They also consider whether the carer can support the child’s education, maintain important family connections and work with social workers and other professionals.

The fostering service may recommend that a placement proceeds, but the local authority’s social worker is responsible for the child’s care planning and statutory decisions. Where appropriate, the child and their parents or other people with parental responsibility may also have their views considered. The final arrangements should set out who will do what, how information will be shared and how the child’s needs will be monitored.

For a planned placement, carers may have more time to read the referral information, speak with the social worker and prepare their household. An initial meeting can help everyone discuss routines, expectations, contact arrangements, behaviour support and practical details. In an emergency placement, there may be less information available at the outset. Further assessment and planning should then take place as more is learned about the child’s needs.

Once a child has moved in, the carer’s observations continue to influence decisions. Carers should report changes in behaviour, health, relationships, education or emotional wellbeing to their supervising social worker and the child’s social worker. Placement meetings and reviews provide opportunities to adjust support, update the placement plan and consider whether the arrangements remain suitable.

Before agreeing to a proposed placement, useful questions include:

• What is known about the child’s needs, history and current circumstances?
• What contact arrangements are expected, and who will manage transport?
• Are there known risks or behaviours that require specific training or safeguards?
• How will education, health appointments and other services be arranged?
• What support will be available if the child’s needs change?
• When will the placement be reviewed, and who should be contacted with concerns?

In practice, good placement decisions depend on open information-sharing and a realistic assessment of what the household can provide. Foster carers’ views help professionals identify a safe and workable match, while the child’s welfare, safety and assessed needs remain the central considerations.