How are foster carers involved in placement decisions in Stoke-on-Trent?

Foster carers are involved in placement decisions as informed participants, but they do not make the final decision alone. The child’s placing authority remains responsible for deciding whether a proposed arrangement meets the child’s welfare needs, while the fostering service assesses whether the placement is appropriate for the approved carer and their household.

When a referral is considered, the fostering service will usually review information about the child’s age, needs, background, education, health, relationships and any known risks. Relevant details should be shared with the foster carer so they can consider what the placement may involve. Information may be limited where confidentiality or safeguarding requirements apply, but carers should have enough understanding to raise informed questions.

The foster carer’s role in the discussion can include:

• asking for clarification about the child’s routines, behaviour, communication and support needs;
• explaining any practical factors that may affect the arrangement, such as school journeys, existing commitments, pets or other household relationships;
• considering how the proposed placement may affect children already living in the home;
• identifying training, equipment or professional support that may be needed; and
• sharing concerns if the information provided suggests that the placement may not be suitable.

The fostering team weighs this information against the child’s assessed needs and the carer’s approval. Matching is not simply about whether a spare bedroom is available. It also involves considering safeguarding, the likely impact on the household, the type of care required, contact arrangements, education, transport and whether the available support is appropriate.

A foster carer can decline a proposed placement if, after considering the information, they do not believe they can meet the child’s needs safely or effectively. Saying no to one referral does not automatically mean that the carer is unsuitable to foster. It is important that carers are honest about their circumstances rather than agreeing to an arrangement they cannot manage.

Where a placement is agreed, the carer should be involved in developing the placement plan. This sets out practical arrangements such as daily care, contact with family members, health appointments, education, delegated responsibilities, house rules and the professionals involved. The plan may be updated as more is learned about the child and as their needs change.

Placement decisions are not necessarily a one-off exercise. Foster carers contribute observations about how the arrangement is working, attend relevant meetings and raise changes in behaviour, risk or wellbeing. These observations help the child’s social worker and fostering team review whether the support and care plan remain suitable. If difficulties arise, the carer should report them promptly so that the right professionals can consider what action is needed.

Before considering a referral, prospective foster carers should ask how much information will be available, who makes the final decision, what support would be provided and how their views will be recorded. A clear, two-way assessment helps protect the child and enables the fostering team to make a more informed matching decision.