Ensuring the right match between foster carers and foster children

Ensuring the right match between foster carers and foster children: A key to success

When someone is considering becoming a foster carer, often, the question arises of: 'Can I choose the age of the child I will be fostering?' or 'Will I have a say in which child comes to live with me?' At Nexus Fostering, we understand the unknown can feel daunting, especially if you are new to fostering. Many factors are considered when matching a child or young person with a foster carer. Our team carefully takes into account the foster carers' availability, who is already in the household, where the foster carers live, and how the foster carers can best help the child or young person they would be caring for.

Every foster carer will have a say in whether they wish to welcome a child or young person into their home and can always ask more questions until they make that decision. It also has to be a mutual decision for everyone involved, including the local authority, deciding which family will best suit the child's needs while keeping the child's or young person's best interests at heart.

We understand that successful fostering goes beyond providing a safe and loving home. It’s about making sure that the right match is made between foster carers and children. The right fit can have a lasting, positive impact on the child’s future, helping them feel valued, supported, and able to thrive.

The matching process begins with a deep understanding of both the child’s needs and the foster carer’s strengths. Our experienced placements team works closely with foster carers, listening to their preferences, skills, and the environment they can offer, while also understanding the child’s background, experiences, and emotional needs. By carefully considering these factors, we aim to create a nurturing environment where both the child and carer can flourish. 

We know that every child is unique, and so are our foster carers. Some children may need a calm, quiet home environment, while others might thrive in a more active, family-oriented setting. We recommend to be open minded with the age range of the children and young people that are possible matches as often the age does not define the child's circumstances and they may act older or younger than the biological age on paper. Also by being open minded it allows our placements team the best chance of finding the best possible match between foster carer and the foster child you are supporting. Our role is to ensure that the fostering experience is as positive and supportive as possible, by making the right match that promotes stability, understanding, and growth.

Our dedicated team is here every step of the way, providing ongoing support and guidance not just to foster carers but to birth children or other family members in the home. We believe that the right match is not just about compatibility but about building strong, trusting relationships that lead to lasting success. 

To speak to us about becoming a foster carer, contact us at 0800 389 0143 or click here to begin your fostering journey.