Can foster carers take holidays with children in Worcestershire?

The key requirement is to plan the holiday with the child’s social worker and fostering service well in advance. Approval will depend on the child’s individual circumstances, the proposed destination and accommodation, the arrangements for supervision, and any legal or safeguarding restrictions affecting the placement.

Before making firm bookings, discuss:

• where you intend to go, how you will travel and how long you will stay;
• who will be travelling, including anyone else staying at the accommodation;
• where the child will sleep and how they will be supervised;
• activities planned and any associated risks;
• the child’s views, communication needs, health requirements and routines; and
• how the holiday fits with family contact, education and other appointments.

Your supervising social worker can explain the approval process used by your fostering service. Some trips may be covered by delegated authority, while others require specific written consent from the local authority or the child’s social worker. This is particularly important where the holiday involves travel outside the UK, a long journey, staying with people who have not previously been assessed, or activities involving significant risk.

Travel abroad

Overseas travel usually needs additional checks. You may need to confirm that the child has the correct passport or other travel document, visa where applicable, travel insurance and health arrangements. Check whether the child is eligible for a Global Health Insurance Card and whether separate insurance is needed, as this depends on the destination and the child’s circumstances.

Do not assume that a foster carer can sign every travel or medical document on a child’s behalf. The child’s social worker or fostering service should confirm what consent is required and who is authorised to provide it. Court orders, immigration status, contact arrangements or other legal issues can affect whether international travel is permitted. Keep copies of relevant approvals and documents with you, while storing personal information securely.

Making the holiday suitable for the child

A holiday should be planned around the child’s needs rather than treating them as an adult member of the travelling party. Consider whether the destination, travel time, accommodation and activities are appropriate for their age, development and experiences. A child who has experienced disruption, loss or trauma may find unfamiliar places, crowded transport or changes to routine difficult.

Talk to the child in an age-appropriate way about the plans and give them an opportunity to ask questions. Where appropriate, involve them in choices such as activities, meals or what to pack. Take familiar items, medication, comfort objects and information about routines if these will help them feel secure. Any disability, medical condition, dietary requirement or emotional support need should be included in the planning.

Accommodation should provide suitable sleeping arrangements, privacy and safe supervision. Check practical matters such as balcony access, swimming pools, water, traffic, fire safety and the security of the property. Activities such as water sports, climbing, cycling or animal encounters may require additional supervision, protective equipment or a separate risk assessment.

Family contact and other commitments

Going away does not automatically cancel planned contact with parents, siblings or other important people. Contact arrangements should be considered before the trip, including whether contact can take place safely at another time or by an agreed phone or video call. The child’s social worker will need to address any change formally rather than leaving the decision to the day of departure.

Also consider education, health appointments, therapy and meetings connected with the placement. Taking a child away during term time may have implications, so discuss the proposed dates with the relevant professionals before booking.

Preparing for the journey

• Carry emergency contact details for the child’s social worker, fostering service and relevant health professionals.
• Take prescribed medication in its original packaging, together with clear instructions and any required storage arrangements.
• Plan breaks, food, toilet access and activities for long journeys.
• Agree how you will respond if the child becomes distressed, goes missing or needs urgent medical help.
• Check the accommodation and transport arrangements shortly before departure.

Keep the child’s information private when travelling or sharing accommodation. Do not post identifying details or photographs online without checking what is permitted under the child’s care plan and the fostering service’s policies.

If plans change, a problem arises or the child no longer feels able to continue, contact the agreed professional as soon as possible. Foster carers should not make significant changes to the trip, hand responsibility to another adult or arrange alternative accommodation without checking that this is authorised and safe.

Good holiday planning is part of ordinary placement planning. Raising the idea early gives the fostering team time to check permissions, contact arrangements, documents and risks, while giving the child a clear understanding of what will happen.