Matching Children and Young People to Foster Carers
Matching is the process of identifying the most appropriate foster carer for the child and their needs. Find the right match comes down to identifying the different childs’ needs before reviewing what every carer could offer and how best they would serve these needs. The responsibility of matching child with foster carer comes down to the social worker from the fostering agency.
Matching Guidelines
Child Needs
The following should be considered when it comes to matching a child:
- Is the child part of a sibling group?
- Age of the child
- School
- Is there possibility of interference from the parent or extended family
- Behavioural issues
- Culture/language/racial identity/religion
- Health/medical factors
- Risk assessment
- Would this child be better accommodated in a two parent family
- Attachment needs/patterns
- Leisure activities
Carer Qualities
- Size and composition of foster family
- Geography of the foster home in relation to the child’s home
- Culture/language/race/religion
- Skills and experience
- Child care requirements
- Accommodation
- Registration
- Vulnerabilities
What is the Matching Process?
The first stage is when the social worker narrows down the suitable foster carers by looking at what the child’s requirements are and what the candidates offers.
If the placement is appropriate, the foster carer will then need to agree for the placement to take place before appropriate next steps are made.
At Abacus Fostering, we believe in careful matching between children and young people and our foster carers. We will always consult with you about prospective placements and will always advocate that there should be an initial meeting to give children/young people and foster carers the opportunity to meet before a placement. Occasionally, there are emergency situations, where a placement is needed urgently. You will always be consulted in this eventuality.
FAQ's
What if the child/ren don't like us?
In most circumstances, children will have an opportunity to meet with you and your family to test out how you all find each other. We also consider personalities, any other children living with you and what your family life is like to ensure that any children that come to you are well-matched.
How will I know what the child/ren's routine is and what they like?
We usually have the opportunity to find out about children. Sometimes you may be able to speak with the current foster carer to find out about them or the Social Worker might give us details on what their routine has been at home.
Who will transport the child/ren to school?
The school journey is part of the fostering task. As part of the matching process, we will find out what school the child attends and discuss the transport arrangements with you. We try to match with this in mind ensuring that the child does not have too long to travel to school.