Ending a Placement

Children can move on naturally or because of an unforeseen situation. There are many reasons why this will happen:

• The child returns to their family;
• The arrangement  becomes unviable;
• The child is moved to another another carer or residential home;
• The young person is old enough to live independently;
• The child/young person is adopted - either by another family, family member or possibly you. This transitional time can feel difficult to navigate. Seek support and talk to your network, Supervising Social Worker and Child’s Social Worker.

This is a useful site to look at when thinking about planning a child’s move: Moving to Adoption – The UEA Moving to Adoption model.

You have an important part to play in helping the child to move and should be positive about it even if it is in difficult circumstances. When you are talking to the child about the move be positive about why they are moving and what will happen.

Plan "goodbyes" for friends and family members that the child is close to.

You should put together information about the child/young person's daily routine, likes/dislikes and any other important information that will help the new carer and let the child's social worker know if you are happy to talk to the new carer.

You should make sure the child/young person’s photographs, life story book and other information and including any savings goes with them. See Keeping Memories. 

Make sure you pack all important documents such as their passport.

You should provide clear instructions about any medication or appointments the child may have.

The child's belongings should be moved in a suitcase or holdall and never be transported in bin-bags or other inappropriate containers.

In discussion with the child’s Social Worker,  the child should be told what contact they may have with you in the future (if you know and provide them with photographs and mementoes of their time with you. Please do not promise to see them if you are not sure of the future arrangements.

In situations where foster carers are beginning to feel that the placement should not continue, they should not feel a failure or be reluctant to contact their supervising social worker or the foster child’s social worker before reaching breaking point. The earlier all concerned are aware of the situation, the sooner they can help. The priority should be to avoid the foster child leaving in an emergency.

If an arrangement ends without this being planned, a disruption meeting may be held. A disruption meeting is an opportunity for everyone who has been involved in the child/young person's care to look at what has happened, what went well and what could have gone better. This helps not only you as a carer but may help the child in future placements. An Independent Reviewing Officer usually chairs the disruption meeting.

If a child or young person is returning to family, there is support on offer to foster carers. Please see Fostering Reunification Process.

When a child leaves, under any circumstances, it can be emotionally very challenging. They have been a part of your household and you have loved and cared for them. You should be supported after moves by your Supervising Social Worker. It may also be helpful for you to have a look at our Foster Carer Wellbeing pointers.