How are foster placements matched in Worcestershire?

Matching is a structured decision-making process, not simply a matter of finding an available bedroom. The placing authority and fostering professionals review the information known about the child, compare it with the foster carer’s approval and capabilities, and decide whether the proposed arrangement is safe and suitable for everyone involved.

The information considered may include:

• the child’s age, gender, personality and communication needs;
• their health, development, education and emotional wellbeing;
• the reasons they need foster care and any known risks or behaviours;
• their relationships with parents, brothers and sisters, relatives or other significant people;
• their cultural, religious and identity needs;
• where they attend school, education or activities, and the practical arrangements for contact;
• whether they need short-term, long-term, emergency, respite or sibling care; and
• any preferences or views the child is able to express.

Professionals then consider how the proposed placement fits with the foster carer’s approval, experience, training and practical skills. They may look at experience of caring for particular ages, supporting children affected by trauma, managing complex behaviour, meeting additional needs or helping children maintain important relationships. The household is also considered, including the impact on birth children, other fostered children, pets and the wider family network.

A proposed match should include enough information for the carer to make an informed decision. This normally covers the child’s background, known needs, routines, risks, education and contact arrangements, together with the support likely to be required. Information may be incomplete, particularly when a child needs care urgently, but any known uncertainties should be discussed openly and reviewed as more is learned.

Before agreeing, foster carers should ask practical questions such as:

• What does the child understand about why they are moving?
• What help do they need with school, appointments, personal care or daily routines?
• How will contact with family members be arranged?
• Are there known risks to the child, other household members or the community?
• What support, advice and training will be available?
• How will the placement be reviewed if the child’s needs change?

The child’s views should be taken into account in an age-appropriate way, although a child cannot always choose where they live. The priority is to balance their wishes with safeguarding, stability and the ability of the household to provide consistent care. Keeping brothers and sisters together may be important, but separating them can sometimes be considered if their individual needs or safety require it.

A fostering assessment and approval set boundaries around the type of care a carer is prepared and authorised to provide. A new referral should therefore be checked against those boundaries rather than accepted automatically. Foster carers can raise concerns, request further information and explain if they do not believe a proposed arrangement is right for their household. Agreeing to one placement does not mean accepting every future referral.

Once a match is agreed, the placement plan sets out the child’s day-to-day care, health and education arrangements, contact with family, delegated responsibilities, safeguarding information and the people involved in supporting the placement. Where circumstances permit, introductions can help the child and carer become familiar with one another before the move. For an urgent placement, introductions may be limited, so clear information and careful support are particularly important.

Matching does not end on the day a child moves in. The placement should be monitored through regular visits, discussions with the child and carer, and formal reviews. If new information emerges or the child’s needs change, the professionals involved can adjust the plan, arrange additional support or reconsider whether the placement remains suitable.