How is a foster care placement reviewed after it begins?

A foster care placement is reviewed through planned meetings, regular supervision and ongoing communication between the child’s social worker, foster carer and wider professional network. The purpose is to check whether the placement continues to meet the child’s needs, whether the care plan remains suitable and what changes or support are required.

There are usually two connected review processes:

• The child’s looked-after review considers the child’s overall care plan, including their health, education, relationships, contact with family and longer-term plans. An independent reviewing officer normally chairs this meeting and makes sure the child’s views are heard.
• Placement monitoring and supervision focuses more closely on how the arrangement is working in the foster home. The supervising social worker discusses the placement with the foster carer, considers records and observations, and identifies any additional support or training needed.

The exact timing and format of meetings depend on the child’s circumstances, the type of placement and the requirements of the responsible local authority. A review may be arranged sooner if there is a significant change, a safeguarding concern, a serious incident, a change in the child’s behaviour or needs, or uncertainty about whether the placement can continue.

What is discussed at a placement review?

The review should look at the child’s day-to-day experience rather than simply confirming that the placement is continuing. Topics can include:

• how the child has settled into the household
• their emotional wellbeing, behaviour and sense of security
• health appointments, medication and access to specialist services
• school attendance, attainment and relationships with education staff
• contact with parents, siblings and other important people
• the child’s routines, identity, culture, religion and personal history
• the foster carer’s observations, concerns and successes
• whether the placement plan and delegated authority arrangements are clear
• the practical support, training and resources available to the foster family
• the longer-term plan, including reunification, another placement, staying with the foster family or another agreed outcome.

The child’s age and understanding will affect how their views are gathered. They may attend part of a meeting, speak privately with their social worker or reviewing officer, or share their views in another suitable way. Foster carers should give honest information about what they have observed, while remembering that the child’s privacy and confidentiality must be respected.

Who may be involved?

Depending on the circumstances, attendees can include the child, foster carers, the child’s social worker, the independent reviewing officer, the supervising social worker, birth parents, education or health professionals and other people involved in the care plan. Not everyone will attend every meeting. Some people may provide written information or speak separately so that the child’s welfare and confidentiality are protected.

Foster carers are an important source of evidence because they see how the child is managing in everyday life. Before a review, they may be asked to provide an update on routines, relationships, behaviour, appointments, contact and any changes in presentation. Keeping clear, factual records helps the professionals understand patterns and make informed decisions.

What happens after the review?

The decisions and actions should be recorded, with responsibility assigned to the relevant person. The placement plan may be updated to reflect changes such as new contact arrangements, education support, health recommendations, household rules, risk management measures or delegated authority. The foster carer should be told what has been agreed and whom to contact if the plan is unclear.

A review may confirm that the placement is meeting the child’s needs and should continue. It can also lead to additional support, specialist advice, therapeutic input, training, respite arrangements or a revised plan. If the placement is under pressure, the professionals should identify the concerns and consider what can be done before a decision is made about its future. A review does not automatically mean that a child will move, although a move may be considered if the arrangement is no longer safe or suitable.

What if a foster carer disagrees with a decision?

A foster carer should raise concerns with their supervising social worker and ask for their views to be recorded. They can also speak to the child’s social worker or independent reviewing officer, particularly if they believe the child’s needs, safety or wishes have not been properly considered. Where there is an immediate safeguarding concern, it should be reported through the agreed safeguarding procedure without waiting for the next scheduled review.

Reviews of the placement are separate from the foster carer’s own formal review as an approved carer. That assessment considers the carer’s continued suitability and development, whereas the placement review concentrates on the particular child and whether the current arrangements are working. Both processes can identify training or support needs, but one should not be treated as a substitute for the other.