The Fostering Placement Process

At Choice Fostering we ensure that all placements are carefully ‘matched’ to ensure that the needs of children and young people are best met by appropriate Foster Carers based on a combination of their level of skills and experience. There are several steps in identifying and securing the best placement for a child in need of foster care.

Step 1:

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Local Authorities across the UK inform us of children or young people who are in need of foster care. They will provide all relevant details to ensure that the child’s needs can be fully met through the best possible matched Foster Carers.

Step 2:

 

Our Placement Officer reviews our team of Foster Carers with an available bedroom for a suitable match and if a suitable opportunity is identified, makes the proposal to the Registered Manager. We take the decision to place a child very seriously and all decisions to place are overseen by Choice Fostering’s Registered Manager to ensure we have made the best possible match for the
child and the Foster Carer.

Step 3:

 

If the identified Foster Carer is comfortable in being able to support the proposed placement, a formal agreement is made and a date set for the child to join the family.

Step 4 (ongoing):

 

During their time in care, the child will have regular interaction with a number of people who are have a huge interest in their wellbeing and development;

• Foster Carers: the family who have day-to-day responsibility for the child/young person’s care, upbringing and development.

• Social Worker: the person from the Local Authority who has regular contact with the Foster Carer and child in care to support the wellbeing and development of the child.

• Supervising Social Worker: The dedicated Choice Fostering staff member who works very closely with Foster Carers to promote the child’s best interests in accordance with their care plan, fostering regulations and Choice Fostering’s policies and procedures.

• Birth Parents: Foster Carers and Social Workers play a critical role in cultivating relationships with the child and their birth parents, supporting child and parent contact and to increase the likelihood of successful reunification.

 

Step 5:

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The duration of the foster placement can vary depending on the child’s circumstances and the success of the placement. All ending placements are closed in a formal and structured manner ensuring the child has a smooth transition back to their birth parents, semi-independence or to another Foster Carer. Many children and young people choose to stay in touch with their Foster Carers for many years following their time in care.

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Find out more about fostering with Choice Fostering. 

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