How are emergency foster care placements reviewed after a child moves in?

An emergency foster care placement is reviewed through a combination of early placement checks, statutory looked-after child reviews and regular professional supervision. The purpose is to test whether the arrangements remain suitable, identify any unmet needs and agree clear actions for the people caring for and working with the child.

What happens shortly after the move? The child’s social worker usually gathers information from the foster carer, the child and other relevant professionals once the initial settling-in period has begun. This may cover the child’s presentation, sleep, eating, school attendance, contact arrangements, health needs, behaviour and relationships within the household. The carer’s observations are particularly important because they provide evidence of how the child is managing in everyday life.

Professionals also check that essential arrangements are in place, such as medication, education, personal belongings, transport, delegated permissions and contact with family members. In an emergency, some information may not have been available before the move. Early checks help correct gaps, clarify responsibilities and make sure new information is added to the child’s care plan.

The first statutory review If the child is looked after, an independent reviewing officer chairs the statutory review of their care plan. In England, the first review should normally take place within 20 working days of the child becoming looked after. The second should normally take place within three months of the first, with later reviews generally held at least every six months. The timing can vary if the child’s circumstances require an earlier meeting.

The review should consider whether the plan remains appropriate, including the proposed length of the placement, the child’s legal status, education, health, family time, emotional wellbeing and longer-term arrangements. It may also consider whether the placement should continue, whether additional support is needed or whether another arrangement should be explored.

Who contributes? The independent reviewing officer invites relevant people to contribute. This commonly includes:

• the child’s social worker;
• the foster carer;
• the child, in a way that reflects their age, understanding and communication needs;
• the child’s parents or other people with parental responsibility, where appropriate;
• the child’s independent reviewing officer and other local authority professionals; and
• education, health, therapeutic or family-contact professionals where their input is relevant.

The child should be helped to express their views before the review and should be told what decisions have been made afterwards. They may attend all or part of the meeting, contribute separately or use another form of communication. Parents and other family members may also be involved where this is consistent with the child’s welfare and the arrangements for the case.

What is discussed with the foster carer? The carer may be asked to explain how the child is responding to routines, boundaries, contact and relationships in the household. Useful information includes factual examples rather than conclusions—for example, what happened before a difficult incident, how the child responded and what helped them settle.

The review can also identify practical changes, such as clearer contact instructions, a revised bedtime routine, support with school attendance, therapeutic input, additional equipment or changes to transport arrangements. If the carer is finding an aspect of the placement difficult, it should be raised promptly rather than waiting for the next formal review. Significant concerns should be reported through the fostering service and the child’s social worker as soon as they arise.

How are decisions recorded? The review should produce a written record setting out the decisions, actions, responsible people and timescales. This may include amendments to the care plan, placement plan, contact arrangements, risk management measures or support plan. The foster carer should understand what they are expected to do and who to contact if circumstances change.

Reviews do not replace day-to-day monitoring. Foster carers continue to keep appropriate records, attend supervision and share relevant information between formal meetings. Social workers and fostering professionals use this information to monitor progress and respond to new concerns. A serious safeguarding concern, missing episode, allegation, significant change in behaviour or deterioration in health should be reported through the agreed procedure immediately, rather than held over for a scheduled review.

Can the placement be changed after a review? Yes. A review may confirm that the placement should continue, recommend further support or lead to changes in the care plan. If the arrangement is no longer meeting the child’s needs, professionals may consider an alternative placement or a planned move. The decision should be based on the child’s welfare, the available evidence and the need for stability, rather than on the fact that the placement began as an emergency.

For foster carers, preparing a short written update before each meeting can make the review more useful. Include achievements, worries, changes in routine, contact outcomes, appointments, incidents, the child’s expressed wishes and any help that would make the arrangements safer or more sustainable. Keeping observations factual and dated helps professionals understand patterns and make properly informed decisions.