What happens if I cannot accept an emergency placement?

If you cannot accept an emergency placement, the decision should be discussed with your fostering team so they can understand the circumstances and consider whether your approval, household circumstances or future matching arrangements need to be reviewed. A refusal is not automatically treated as a problem, particularly where accepting the placement could be unsafe or unsuitable for you, the child or other members of your household.

Emergency placements are made with limited notice, but the placement still needs to be considered against the information available about the child. Factors may include the child’s age, behaviour, health needs, experiences, relationships with other children, routines, transport requirements and any risks identified by the placing authority. Your household’s space, existing commitments, skills, other children and pets may also be relevant.

When a placement is offered, ask the supervising social worker or fostering team for the information they can share before making a decision. You may need to clarify:

• why the child needs an emergency placement;
• the child’s immediate needs and known risks;
• how long the placement is expected to last;
• whether siblings are involved;
• what contact, school or transport arrangements may be needed;
• which professionals will be involved; and
• what practical support and equipment will be available.

Some information may not be available at the point of an emergency request. You should still be given enough information to make a responsible decision based on your approval and the circumstances known at the time. If important details are unclear, explain what you need to know and why this affects your ability to offer a safe placement.

Give a clear and honest reason. Reasons might include a current health issue, an unsuitable sleeping arrangement, work or family commitments, the needs of a child already in your care, or concerns that the placement does not match your approval or experience. You do not need to accept a placement simply because it is urgent. Agreeing to a placement that you cannot safely manage can create difficulties for everyone and may lead to disruption for the child.

Your fostering team may record the offer and your decision as part of the placement history. This record helps them understand the types of emergency placements that may or may not be suitable for your household. It can also support a discussion about whether your approval terms, training plan, equipment or support arrangements should change. A refusal may therefore lead to practical follow-up, but that is different from being penalised for making a safe, considered decision.

If you are unsure rather than certain that you must decline, ask whether there is time to discuss the placement with the relevant professionals or someone in your support network. Do not agree before you have considered the likely impact on everyone in your household. Your decision should be based on whether you can meet the child’s needs safely and consistently, not on pressure to be available for every request.

If circumstances change after you have accepted a placement, contact the fostering team immediately and explain what has happened. Do not attempt to manage a serious concern alone or make an informal arrangement for the child to stay elsewhere. Follow the safeguarding and emergency procedures provided during your training, and seek direction from the appropriate fostering or social work professional.

It is also useful to review your household’s emergency plan after declining a placement. Consider whether you need clearer information about your approval, additional training, changes to sleeping arrangements, help with transport or a conversation about the ages and needs you can realistically accommodate. This can make future decisions more informed while keeping the focus on safe, suitable matching.