How long does it take to find a foster family?

Finding a foster family can take anything from a short period in an urgent situation to considerably longer where a child needs a highly specific type of placement. The process starts when the child’s social worker gathers detailed information about the child and identifies the requirements that a foster household must be able to meet.

Before contacting fostering services, professionals normally consider:

• the child’s age, personality, routines and communication needs;
• any medical, developmental, emotional or behavioural support required;
• whether brothers and sisters need to live together;
• the child’s cultural, religious and linguistic identity;
• school, family contact and travel arrangements;
• the type of placement needed, such as emergency, short-term, long-term, respite or parent-and-child fostering; and
• whether there are risks or circumstances that affect the kind of household able to care for the child.

The social worker then searches for approved foster carers whose terms of approval, experience, household circumstances and available space are suitable. This may involve contacting a child’s local authority fostering service, independent fostering providers or other approved-carer networks. A potential match is considered carefully rather than selected solely because a spare bedroom is available.

For an emergency placement, professionals may need to identify a suitable household very quickly, sometimes on the same day. The options can be more limited because there is less time to explore every possible match. Where a placement is planned, there may be more opportunity to speak with several fostering households, gather additional information and prepare the child and carers before the move.

Some searches take longer because the child’s needs require a particularly experienced foster carer, a specific household structure or accommodation in a particular location. Keeping siblings together, maintaining school attendance, supporting regular family time or finding a carer able to manage complex health needs can all reduce the number of suitable options. A placement may also take longer if the first proposed match cannot proceed after further information is shared.

Once a possible foster family is identified, the child’s social worker and the fostering service exchange relevant information. The foster carer needs enough detail to decide whether they can safely meet the child’s needs, while information sharing must remain appropriate and protect the child’s privacy. The child’s views should be taken into account in a way that reflects their age and understanding.

Professionals will usually discuss:

• why the child needs fostering and what arrangements are being considered;
• the child’s daily care, health, education and contact needs;
• known risks and behaviours, including how these might affect other household members;
• the foster carer’s experience, training and support network;
• how the placement could work alongside the carer’s existing responsibilities; and
• the practical arrangements for introductions, transport and the first days of placement.

The proposed foster family does not have to accept a placement. They should be given enough information to make an informed decision, and their supervising social worker can help them assess whether the arrangement is appropriate. If the match is accepted, the relevant professionals agree a placement plan covering immediate care, health information, education, family contact, delegated authority and support.

Delays do not necessarily mean that no foster families are available. They can reflect the need to complete checks, clarify information, consult with the child or family, obtain approval for a particular arrangement or coordinate several professionals. In some circumstances, a temporary placement is used while a more suitable longer-term option is explored.

For anyone considering becoming a foster carer, the time needed to find a child for placement is separate from the time needed to become approved. Prospective carers first make an initial enquiry, discuss their circumstances with a fostering service, complete an assessment and undertake preparation training. The assessment includes checks, references, health information, household discussions and consideration of the skills and support available within the family. Only after approval can a fostering service consider them for placements that match their approval and circumstances.

There is no reliable universal answer to how long a particular search will take. The most useful indication comes from the child’s social worker or fostering service once the child’s profile, placement type and practical requirements have been fully assessed.