How are short-term foster carers involved in review meetings?

Short-term foster carers take part in review meetings as a key source of day-to-day information, while the child’s social worker and the independent reviewing officer remain responsible for coordinating and reviewing the care plan. The carer’s role is to provide evidence, express views, respond to questions and help professionals understand how proposed decisions may affect the child.

Before the meeting, the carer should read any relevant information shared by the fostering service or social worker and consider what needs to be raised. This may include:

• how the placement is progressing and whether the current arrangements remain suitable;
• any changes in the child’s relationships, education, health or emotional needs;
• how contact with parents, relatives or other important people is working;
• events that may affect the child’s safety or welfare;
• practical support, equipment, advice or training that would help the placement; and
• any concerns about the proposed next steps for the child.

The carer may be asked to provide a written report or attend a discussion with the reviewing officer before the meeting. Keeping accurate placement records makes it easier to give specific examples rather than relying on general impressions. It is also helpful to separate direct observations from assumptions and to explain when an issue first arose, what action was taken and how the child responded.

During the meeting, the foster carer can describe what has been working, identify difficulties and comment on whether agreed actions have been completed. They can also explain how the child communicates their wishes and feelings in everyday situations, particularly where the child finds it difficult to speak openly in a formal meeting. The carer should not speak on the child’s behalf in place of the child, but can help professionals understand the child’s presentation and needs.

Short-term foster carers may also contribute to discussions about the child’s permanence plan and the transition to the next stage of care. Depending on the circumstances, this could involve returning home, moving to another placement, living with relatives or progressing towards another long-term arrangement. The carer’s information can help the team plan a move carefully, including how information will be passed on, what routines should be maintained and what support the child may need during the transition.

The independent reviewing officer usually leads the review and checks that the child’s care plan remains appropriate. Other attendees may include the child, their parents or relatives, social workers, health and education professionals, an advocate and representatives from the fostering service. The carer should be told who is expected to attend and whether any part of the discussion will take place separately. Confidential information should only be shared with people who have a legitimate role in the child’s care.

The foster carer is entitled to express a professional view, including disagreement with a proposed arrangement. They should explain the reasons for their concern and provide relevant information. The reviewing officer or social worker will consider the view alongside the child’s wishes, the family’s views, professional assessments and safeguarding information. Attendance does not give the carer responsibility for making the final decision about the care plan.

At the end of the review, the agreed actions should be clear. These may cover contact arrangements, health appointments, education, therapeutic support, delegated responsibilities, placement tasks or planning for the child’s next move. The carer should know what they are expected to do, who else is responsible and how concerns should be reported between meetings. If the written record does not accurately reflect an important point, the carer should raise this with their supervising social worker or the reviewing officer.

If a carer cannot attend, they should let the social worker or fostering service know as soon as possible and provide written comments or arrange to share their views beforehand. A meeting should not prevent the carer from raising an urgent safeguarding concern through the appropriate reporting route. Review meetings are part of the formal planning process, but important information should be shared whenever a child’s safety or welfare may be affected.

In practice, effective participation means preparing carefully, speaking objectively, respecting confidentiality and keeping the focus on the child’s needs. Short-term foster carers do not need to make professional assessments, but their accurate observations and practical knowledge can help the review reach well-informed decisions.