How are emergency fostering placements matched to carers?

Emergency fostering placements are matched through a safeguarding assessment that considers whether an approved foster carer can safely meet the child’s needs at that point in time. The decision is based not only on whether a carer has a vacant bedroom, but also on the level of support the child may require, the risks involved and how the placement would affect everyone in the household.

The information considered during matching

The fostering team gathers and reviews the information available from the child’s social worker, safeguarding records and other relevant professionals. This may include:

• the child’s age, development and communication needs;
• known health, emotional and behavioural needs;
• any risks relating to missing episodes, exploitation, self-harm, aggression or contact with particular people;
• the child’s daily routines, education, appointments and contact arrangements;
• their relationships with brothers and sisters or other important people;
• cultural, religious, language and identity needs; and
• any requirements linked to pets, transport, sleeping arrangements or other members of the household.

Information may be limited because the placement has to be arranged quickly. Where facts are incomplete, the professionals involved identify what is known, what still needs checking and what safeguards are required while further information is obtained.

How the carer’s suitability is assessed

The carer’s approval and fostering assessment set out the types of placements they are considered able to offer. Matching professionals look at the conditions attached to that approval, their relevant experience, training and confidence, and whether they have access to the practical resources the child needs.

They also consider the whole household. This includes the ages and needs of other children, the views and wellbeing of anyone living in the home, existing fostering commitments, pets, bedroom arrangements and the likely effect of the proposed placement on family routines. A placement should not be agreed simply because a room is available if the household cannot provide a safe and suitable environment.

What happens before the placement is agreed

• The child’s social worker describes the placement need and shares the available information with the fostering team.
• The team identifies approved carers whose household circumstances and fostering approval may be suitable.
• The relevant information is discussed with the proposed carer, including known risks, practical arrangements and any uncertainties.
• The carer considers whether they can manage the placement safely and whether it is appropriate for everyone in their household.
• The supervising social worker and placing authority agree the arrangements, including how the child will arrive, who needs to be informed and what support is required.

The carer should be given enough information to make an informed decision, while professionals must also respect the child’s privacy. Some details may be shared progressively as they become available, particularly where the initial referral contains only limited records.

Why an emergency match may be different

An emergency placement is not a less careful placement. The difference is that there may be less opportunity for advance planning, introductions or a gradual transition. Professionals therefore focus first on immediate safety, supervision, essential medication, contact arrangements, education and the child’s basic practical needs.

Once the child is settled, the matching assessment can be revisited as more is learned about their needs. New information may lead to additional safety measures, changes to routines, extra professional involvement or a decision that a different placement would be more suitable.

Can a foster carer decline an emergency placement?

Yes. Foster carers should raise questions or concerns if they do not believe they can meet the child’s needs safely. Saying that a particular referral is not suitable does not mean a carer is unwilling to foster; it is part of responsible decision-making. A carer’s concerns should be discussed with the supervising social worker and the placing authority before any arrangement is confirmed.

Support after the child arrives

Matching does not end when the child enters the home. The child’s social worker and fostering support team remain involved in reviewing how the arrangement is working, clarifying expectations and responding to emerging needs. Foster carers should record significant concerns, follow agreed safeguarding procedures and ask for advice when the child’s presentation or circumstances change.

The placement plan should set out practical matters such as routines, delegated authority, family contact, healthcare, education, transport and the people to contact if difficulties arise. Reviews provide an opportunity to check whether the original match remains appropriate and whether the carer or child needs further support.

A suitable emergency match is therefore based on careful professional judgement, honest information-sharing and ongoing review. The aim is to place the child with a carer who can provide a safe, stable and appropriately supported home while the longer-term plan is considered.