Referrals and matching in fostering
When a child or young person needs a foster family, our priority is to find a safe, stable and supportive home that meets their needs. This process is known as referrals and matching.
This page explains how referrals work, what we consider when matching children with foster carers, and how we support you at every step.
What is a referral?
A referral is the request we receive from a social worker when a child or young person needs a foster home.
The referral usually includes essential information about the child, such as:
- Their age and background
- Health or educational needs
- Cultural or religious needs
- Any routines, interests or preferences
- Known risks or safeguarding considerations
- Family time arrangements with birth family
This information helps us understand what type of foster home will be the best fit for the child or young person.
How we review each referral
Our fostering team reviews every referral carefully and sensitively.
We consider:
- The child’s immediate safety
- Their emotional and physical wellbeing
- The level of support required
- The child’s long-term needs and goals
- Information provided by the child’s social worker
The focus is always on placing a child in a home that can meet their needs now and support their future stability.
The matching process
Matching is the process of finding the right foster family for the child or young person. We aim to make thoughtful and well-informed decisions that support positive outcomes for both the child and the foster carer.
1. Reviewing available foster families
We look at all foster carers who:
- Have the right skills and experience
- Have a suitable home environment
- Are approved for the type of fostering required
- Have availability and capacity in their household
2. Considering your strengths and preferences
We take into account:
- Your fostering approval category
- The age range you feel comfortable with
- Your experience and training
- Your home environment and support network
- Your own family dynamics
3. Matching needs carefully
We compare the child’s needs with what you can offer. This includes:
- Keeping siblings together whenever possible
- Cultural and linguistic compatibility
- Supporting disability, trauma or specialist needs
- Matching personalities, routines and lifestyle
- Reducing travel time for school or family time
A well-matched foster home increases stability and helps children feel valued, understood and able to thrive.
How you are involved in the matching decision
We believe in open and transparent conversations with foster carers.
You will receive information about the child
We share as much detail as possible so you can make an informed choice. This includes:
- Background information
- Known risks
- Support needs
- Social worker and school details
- Family time arrangements with the child’s family
You can ask questions
We encourage you to talk openly about:
- Any concerns you may have
- Any additional support you may need
- How the child or young person could affect your household
You can say yes or no
You will not be pressured to accept a referral. We want matches that feel right for you, your family and the
child or young person.
What happens when a match is agreed
Once you agree to a referral, we move into planning and support.
1. Planning and introductions
Whenever possible, we plan introductions to help the child feel secure. This may include:
- Virtual meetings
- Short visits
- A gradual transition plan
2. Placement planning meeting
Before the child arrives, we arrange a meeting with:
- You (the foster carer)
- The child’s social worker
- Your supervising social worker
This meeting confirms responsibilities, expectations, support plans and any agreed adjustments to help the placement start well.
3. Ongoing support
After the fostering arrangement begins, you will receive:
- Regular supervision
- 24/7 support, including an out-of-hours service
- Training tailored to the child’s needs
- Access to specialist services if required
We are here to support you and the child at every stage of the fostering journey.
Emergency referrals
Some referrals happen urgently, often outside normal working hours. These are sometimes called emergency or
unplanned referrals.
In these situations, we still aim to:
- Share all available information
- Ensure the child’s immediate safety
- Support foster carers with clear, immediate guidance
Your supervising social worker will follow up with full details as soon as possible.
Why careful matching matters
Good matching makes a real difference for children, young people and foster carers.
Careful matching helps:
- Children feel safe, welcomed and understood
- Foster carers feel confident and prepared
- Children experience greater stability and stay for longer periods
- Children build trusting, secure relationships
- Everyone involved have the best chance of success
Matching is not only about meeting needs—it is about giving children and young people the chance to thrive in a nurturing foster family.
Frequently asked questions about referrals and matching
Do I have to accept every referral?
No. You always have the option to decline if the match does not feel right for you, your family or the child.
How often will I receive referrals?
This depends on your availability, skills, approval category and local need. Your supervising social worker will
talk with you about what to expect.
Can I request specific age groups or types of children I care for?
Yes. Your preferences are discussed during your fostering assessment and reviewed regularly, so we can match you
with children and young people who are a good fit for your skills and household.
Interested in becoming a foster carer?
If you want to learn more about fostering, referrals or matching, our friendly fostering team is ready to talk with you.