Matching in foster care

A detailed matching process is essential to make sure that fostering families are able to meet the needs of children in care.

Sparks Fostering uses a bespoke matching form, which Ofsted commented on: The process of matching a foster carer with a child is thorough. This includes collaborative working with the child’s social worker to ensure that all the information about the child is shared with the foster carer before any decision is made about the placement. A detailed matching report is then completed by the registered manager, in consultation with the foster carers.

The matching process is as follows:

Referral information shared by local authority

Each referral outlines basic information about the child’s identity, needs and history. Independent fostering providers receive referrals from any local authority they have contacted.

Potential matches shared with foster carer

The fostering provider reviews all referrals and identifies potential matches. The details of potential matches are shared with foster carers, who can agree to the match, ask for further information, or decline the match.

Local authority child’s team responds

The local authority is informed of any potential matches from all of the fostering providers who they had contacted. The local authority then reviews the foster carer profiles and any other information about the carers or fostering service, and then requests further information and discussions for the carers of their choice.

Documents shared

Sparks Fostering requests further documentation, such as review minutes, from the local authority so that the agency can learn more about the needs of the child. All documents are shared with the foster carer.

Meetings and discussions

The child’s social worker and any other relevant people (such as current carers) are invited to meet and discuss the needs of the child with the fostering provider social worker and the foster carer. During these discussions the matching paperwork is completed; the matching paperwork compares the holistic needs of the child with the skills, experience and interests in the fostering household.

Move to the home planned

If a match is agreed, the plans for a move are agreed. Ideally the child would have opportunity to visit the fostering home and meet the carers a few times before the move, but this isn’t always possible. As a minimum the child should see the foster carer’s profile before they move to the home.

Carers prepare the home and the welcome

Foster carers can prepare their home according to the information that has been provided during the matching process. A welcome box should also be prepared for the child, containing gifts, faith artifacts or any other items suggested by the child’s social worker.