What happens when temporary foster care for infants ends?

The end of a temporary foster placement for an infant is managed as a formal transition, with decisions led by the child’s care plan and the local authority. The foster carer should be involved in planning the change, given clear arrangements for the final handover and told who to contact if circumstances change.

Before the placement ends, professionals will usually confirm:

• the planned date and time of the move;
• where the child will go and who will accompany them;
• how contact with parents or other important people will take place;
• which belongings, medication, equipment and documents must travel with the infant; and
• any appointments or immediate health needs that the next carer or family must know about.

For a baby, practical information is particularly important. The handover should cover feeding amounts and routines, sleep patterns, soothing methods, nappy changes, allergies, medication, health appointments and developmental observations. It is also helpful to record the child’s usual responses, emerging communication and any changes noticed during the placement. Information should be factual, dated where appropriate and shared through the channels agreed with the supervising social worker.

A transition may involve meetings between the foster carer, the child’s social worker, the next carer or family and relevant health professionals. Depending on the circumstances and the child’s needs, introductions or gradual changes to care may be considered. The arrangements must be agreed by the responsible professionals rather than organised informally by the foster carer.

Foster carers should prepare the infant’s belongings carefully. Familiar items can help maintain continuity, while a written summary can make the change easier for the person taking over care. Keep copies of records as required by the fostering service, and do not retain confidential information in a way that could compromise the child’s privacy.

Sometimes a planned ending changes at short notice because of a court decision, a change in the care plan, a health concern or an issue affecting safety. In that situation, contact the child’s social worker and supervising social worker promptly, follow the instructions given and write down what happened, including relevant times, observations and decisions. Do not change contact or handover arrangements independently.

After the infant has left, the fostering service will normally review the placement with the carer. This is an opportunity to discuss the child’s progress, check that records are complete, consider any safeguarding or health matters and identify support or training that would be useful. The carer can also ask how final documentation, allowances and any outstanding expenses are dealt with, as these arrangements depend on the fostering service and local authority.

It is normal for the end of an infant placement to prompt mixed feelings, even when the move has been carefully planned. A proper review helps the foster carer understand the transition, address concerns and decide whether they are ready to consider another placement. There is no need to accept a new referral until the household has had time to reflect and feels prepared to do so.