How are foster carers supported between placements in Shropshire?

Foster carers in Shropshire are supported between placements through planned contact, supervision, peer connection and practical preparation for the next referral. The period without a child placed does not mean that a carer is left to manage independently; it is an opportunity to review their circumstances, discuss the type of placement that may be suitable and raise any concerns before accepting a new arrangement.

Regular contact and supervision

Your supervising social worker or another member of the fostering service can remain in contact between placements. Discussions may cover how your household is managing, whether anything has changed at home or work, and what age range, needs or types of placement you feel able to consider. This is also the appropriate time to talk openly about previous placement experiences, including anything you would handle differently in future.

Support should be tailored to your circumstances. For example, you may need help thinking through how a future placement would fit around existing family commitments, whether your spare room and household arrangements remain suitable, or whether you need to update the service about a change in health, address or employment.

Preparing for possible referrals

Before a placement is proposed, the fostering service can help you understand the information available about the child or young person and consider whether the arrangement is appropriate for your household. You should have the chance to ask questions about:

• the child’s age, background, routines and known needs;
• contact arrangements with parents, relatives or other important people;
• education, health and behavioural considerations;
• the expected length and type of placement; and
• the practical support that would be available if the placement went ahead.

You are not required to accept every referral. A careful discussion about suitability helps avoid taking on a placement that does not match your skills, household or available space.

Keeping your fostering records and arrangements up to date

Between placements, carers may be asked to review records, certificates, household information and other documents relevant to their approval. This can include checking that the service has current details about the people living in the home, pets, sleeping arrangements and any significant changes since the last placement. Keeping information accurate means that social workers can make better-informed decisions when considering a referral.

It is also sensible to use this time to review household routines, emergency arrangements and the practical equipment you may need. Your fostering service can explain which items it expects you to provide and which costs or arrangements need to be discussed before a child arrives. Financial arrangements can differ according to the placement, so ask for a clear explanation rather than assuming that an allowance or payment applies between placements.

Connection with other foster carers

Peer support can be particularly useful when you are between placements. Other foster carers may help you understand how referrals work, share practical ideas and explain how they manage changes in routine. The available arrangements may include carer meetings, support groups or other ways of keeping in touch. These conversations should complement, rather than replace, advice from your supervising social worker, especially where safeguarding, health or legal issues are involved.

What to do if you need support during this period

If you are uncertain about your approval, have concerns following a previous placement or are unsure whether you are ready to consider another referral, raise this directly with your fostering service. You can ask what contact is planned, who to speak to about a particular issue and how decisions about future placements will be made. Being clear about your current circumstances helps the service provide appropriate support and helps you make informed decisions about the placements you consider.