If you decide to become an approved foster carer, one of our agents at Fostering UK will get in contact with you with an introductory call. This will give you an opportunity to get to know the team and gain a better understanding of the processes we take to allocate carers with children. Many people do not know that we actually take the time and effort to make sure all of our placements are suitably matched up with carers. Our placement team works effectively in matching placements through an in-depth knowledge of each carer’s strengths and availability. We take a proactive approach to dealing and matching referrals and work closely with local authorities commissioning teams.
How do you match carers with placements?
When suitably matching placements, we take into account a wide variety of aspects to make sure each carer meets the needs of their child. The factors we take into consideration could be your location, experience, age range or birth children. We don’t just want the child to have the right carer, we want to make sure that you and your family have the right child so that everyone feels comfortable and satisfied.
As you begin getting considered for a placement, our team will hold an in-depth overview of the referral and work with your social worker to better understand whether the placement is right for you and the child. This will also involve contacting you and discussing the background of the child, reporting on key areas such as the school or contact runs and their health needs. Once we have had a chance to talk things over with you, we will send over a secure copy of the referral for you to read through, giving you an opportunity to ask questions or raise queries. Once everyone is in agreement, the team will make a formal proposition and the local authority will review the information and make an informed decision on whether the placement should go ahead.
Do I have to accept the first referral?
Our team will give you a chance to read through the child’s information before hand to make sure that you think the placement is right for you. If you don’t think you have the right background or skills to look after that child, or just don’t think it would be a suitable match for you or your family, then you have ethe right to refuse. You do not need to feel pressured into accepting the first referral put before you and our team will understand fully if the placement doesn’t feel right. Our main consideration is that you and the child have a suitable placement in which all parties feel safe and comfortable.
Are you considering fostering?
The placement team at Fostering UK are always working hard to make sure all of our carers feel comfortable and supported in their placements. We strive to make sure that all of our carers feel valued, and we understand the sacrifice that is made to care for each child. If you are considering fostering today, please do not hesitate to get in contact with one of our agents at 0333 044 8890 or visit our website for more information. We are currently desperately in need of foster carers in Oxfordshire, so if you think you could help, please do not hesitate to get in contact.
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