Can foster carers decline a proposed placement?

A proposed placement is not an automatic obligation for a foster carer. Before agreeing, the carer should have enough information to decide whether the placement can be safely and realistically managed within their household and approval. Saying no at this stage is different from ending a placement that has already begun.

How the matching decision is made

When a child needs a foster home, the placing authority shares information about their circumstances, assessed needs and any known risks. The fostering service then considers whether the referral fits the carer’s approval, experience, home and family circumstances. Important matching factors can include:

• the child’s age, development and level of independence;
• emotional, behavioural, medical or additional needs;
• the likelihood of challenging behaviour, missing episodes or safeguarding concerns;
• contact arrangements with parents, relatives or other people important to the child;
• school, travel and transport requirements;
• the needs of children already living in the home;
• available bedrooms, pets and other household considerations; and
• whether the carer has the relevant skills, training and support to meet the child’s needs.

Foster carers should be given an opportunity to ask questions before making a decision. Information may be limited at the point of referral, particularly in an emergency, so it is reasonable to ask what is known, what remains uncertain and how any risks would be managed. The carer’s supervising social worker can help interpret the information and identify any gaps that need to be clarified with the child’s social worker.

When declining may be appropriate

A carer may decide that a proposed placement is not suitable where, for example, the child’s needs are beyond their current experience, the household cannot manage the arrangements safely, or accepting the placement could adversely affect children already in the home. A carer might also decline if the practical requirements, such as contact travel or school arrangements, cannot be managed alongside existing responsibilities.

The decision should be based on the child’s welfare, the household’s capacity and the approved fostering arrangements. It should not be based on assumptions or discriminatory attitudes about a child or their family. Where a carer is unsure whether a concern is a genuine mismatch or could be addressed through training and support, discussing it openly with the fostering team is usually the best next step.

What happens after a carer says no?

• The carer explains their reasons to their supervising social worker or the member of the fostering team making the referral.
• The reasons are considered alongside the child’s needs and the information available about the placement.
• The team may clarify details, suggest additional support or decide that the referral should be considered elsewhere.
• The outcome and reasoning may be recorded so that future referrals can be matched more accurately.

One decision to decline should not be treated as a failure. However, a pattern of declining referrals may lead to a review of the carer’s approval, training needs, household circumstances or the types of placements being considered. This is intended to make sure the approval remains accurate and that future placements are safe and appropriate.

Declining a referral is not the same as ending a placement

Once a child has moved into the foster home, the carer has accepted responsibility for providing care under the placement agreement. They should not decide independently to end the arrangement without involving the fostering service and the child’s social worker. If the placement is becoming unsafe or cannot continue, the carer should raise this immediately so that risks can be assessed, support can be put in place and any move can be planned around the child’s welfare.

Foster carers are expected to work in partnership with the professionals involved in a child’s care. Honest decisions at the referral stage help avoid unsuitable matches and give the child a better chance of experiencing stability. If a proposed placement raises concerns, the carer should explain those concerns clearly, ask for the information needed to make an informed decision and discuss possible alternatives with their supervising social worker.