How is a kinship foster placement reviewed after approval?

A kinship foster placement is reviewed through two linked processes: a review of the child’s care plan and placement, and a separate review of the foster carer’s approval. The child’s review considers whether the current arrangement remains right for the child, while the carer’s review considers whether the approval terms, household circumstances and support arrangements remain appropriate.

The child’s looked-after review

The child’s social worker prepares information for the looked-after review, usually with contributions from the kinship foster carer, the child, parents and other professionals involved in the child’s care. An independent reviewing officer chairs the meeting and checks that the local authority is carrying out its responsibilities and that the child’s views are properly considered.

Discussion may include:

• the child’s safety, health, education and emotional wellbeing;
• how the child is settling into the household and relationships within it;
• contact with parents, brothers, sisters and other important people;
• the child’s wishes and feelings, taking account of their age and understanding;
• the practical support, equipment, therapeutic help or specialist services required;
• the longer-term plan, including whether the placement is intended to continue or whether another legal or care arrangement should be considered.

The meeting should produce clear actions, identify who is responsible for them and record when they will be reviewed. A kinship foster carer should receive the relevant decisions and have an opportunity to correct factual errors or raise concerns if the written record does not reflect what was agreed.

The foster carer’s approval review

The fostering service also reviews the kinship foster carer’s approval. This is normally an annual process, with an earlier review if there is a significant change or concern. The review considers whether the carer continues to meet the fostering requirements and whether the terms of approval still match the child’s needs and the household’s capacity.

Evidence may include the supervising social worker’s report, records of supervision and visits, training completed, feedback from the child’s social worker and education or health professionals, and the carer’s own account of the placement. The review may also consider how the carer has worked with the child’s family, followed agreed contact arrangements, managed information-sharing and responded to advice.

The carer should be given the opportunity to contribute to the review before a decision is made. They can explain what is working, identify gaps in support, describe changes in the household and provide information about any difficulties. Keeping accurate records of significant events, appointments, contact arrangements, decisions and advice can help ensure that the review is based on a balanced account.

What happens if circumstances have changed?

A review may be brought forward if the child’s needs have changed or if there has been a material change in the carer’s circumstances. Examples include a new household member, a change in health, employment or accommodation, a relationship breakdown, a new child joining the household, or a change in the carer’s ability to provide the agreed level of care.

The fostering service should assess the effect of the change rather than treating it automatically as a reason to end approval. It may recommend additional support, updated training, a change to the approval terms, a revised safer-care plan or a different arrangement for contact. The carer should tell the supervising social worker about relevant changes promptly, particularly where they could affect the child’s safety or day-to-day care.

Possible outcomes

Following the review, the approval may continue without alteration, or the fostering service may propose changes. These could relate to the number or age of children placed, the type of placement, the level of support required or the circumstances in which a placement can be accepted. Any change should be explained and recorded formally.

If the review identifies serious concerns, the fostering service may consider further investigation, additional safeguards, a pause on new placements or action affecting approval. Where a decision is likely to reduce, suspend or end approval, the carer should be told about the reasons, the decision-making process and any right to make representations or request consideration by the fostering panel, where applicable.

A child’s placement should not be ended simply because a review raises an issue that can be safely addressed. However, the child’s welfare remains the central consideration. If the arrangement cannot safely meet the child’s needs, the local authority must consider what alternative plan is required and explain the next steps to the child and kinship foster carer.

How to prepare for a review

• Read the current placement plan and note anything that no longer reflects daily life.
• Write down progress, worries, incidents, achievements and outstanding support needs.
• Check that contact, school, health and other arrangements are working as agreed.
• Ask the child, in an age-appropriate way, what they want raised at the meeting.
• Gather relevant records and certificates for training or appointments.
• Tell the supervising social worker about household changes before the review.
• Ask for explanations of any proposed change to approval or the care plan.

Reviews should result in an up-to-date plan, clear responsibilities and a record of the support available to the child and carer. If the carer disagrees with a decision, they should raise this promptly with the supervising social worker, the child’s social worker or the fostering service’s manager and ask what formal representation or complaints route applies.