Can a part-time foster placement become full-time?

A move from part-time to full-time fostering is a formal change to the child’s placement arrangements, not an automatic extension of the existing agreement. It may be considered when the child needs more consistent care, another arrangement ends, or the local authority decides that living with you more often would better support the child’s welfare.

The decision is normally considered by the child’s social worker, the fostering agency and the local authority. They will look at the child’s care plan, the reasons for the proposed change and whether full-time care is suitable and sustainable. The child’s views will be considered in an age-appropriate way, alongside information from their parents, current carers and other professionals involved in their care.

Your household will also be reassessed against the practical demands of a full-time placement. This can include:

• your availability and other work, caring or family responsibilities;
• the space, sleeping arrangements and privacy available in your home;
• how the change could affect children or other household members;
• your ability to manage school routines, appointments, transport and contact arrangements;
• the child’s behaviour, health, education and emotional support needs; and
• any additional training, equipment or practical help that may be needed.

For a single parent, the assessment will pay particular attention to how the increased caring responsibility fits alongside existing commitments. This is not necessarily a reason to refuse a change, but it is important to identify reliable arrangements for transport, emergencies, appointments and times when you need practical assistance. The agency should discuss what support is available and whether the placement remains compatible with your household’s circumstances.

Before the arrangement changes, the adults responsible for the placement should agree how it will operate. The placement plan may need updating to record the child’s daily routines, education arrangements, health needs, contact with family members, delegated responsibilities and the support to be provided. Any changes to financial arrangements should also be explained to you, as part-time and full-time care may be funded under different arrangements.

A transition can be gradual where this is safe and appropriate. For example, the child may spend additional daytime periods or overnight stays with you before moving to a full-time arrangement. This gives everyone an opportunity to identify practical difficulties and helps the child understand what is changing. In other situations, an immediate change may be necessary because the child’s existing care arrangement can no longer continue. The approach should reflect the child’s needs rather than follow a fixed pattern.

Changing to full-time care does not remove the need to review the placement. The child’s circumstances, your household’s experience and the level of support required should continue to be discussed through supervision and placement reviews. If the arrangement becomes difficult, raise this promptly with your supervising social worker and the child’s social worker. They can consider extra support, changes to routines or other options instead of allowing problems to build.

You do not have to agree to full-time care simply because you have provided a part-time placement. Your views and capacity are relevant to the decision. If you are unsure, ask for the proposed plan in writing and discuss the expected duties, support, financial arrangements and timescale before making a decision. A placement should only become full-time when the necessary assessments and approvals have been completed and the arrangement is considered suitable for the child and your household.