---
title: Reviews – Foster Children
description: "**Foster-Child Reviews – keeping the Care Plan on course** Local Authorities must review every looked-after child’s Care Plan on a fixed timetable, or sooner if their circumstances change. Reviews ensure the plan still meets the child’s needs, checks progress and…"
url: "https://handbook.co.uk/docs/reviews-foster-children/"
updated: "2025-07-13"
category: Foster Carer Handbook
tags:
  - Reviews – Foster Children
---

# Reviews – Foster Children

**Foster-Child Reviews – keeping the Care Plan on course**

Local Authorities must review every looked-after child’s Care Plan on a fixed timetable, or sooner if their circumstances change. Reviews ensure the plan still meets the child’s needs, checks progress and agrees new actions or delegated-authority changes.

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**Review timetable (minimum)**

| **Review** | **Timing from start of placement** |
| --- | --- |
| **1st review** | Within **4 weeks** |
| **2nd review** | Within **4 months** (i.e., 3 months after the first) |
| **Subsequent reviews** | Every **6 months** thereafter, unless an earlier review is requested |

The Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) can call an extra review whenever significant events occur—placement move, school exclusion, emerging health need.

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**Venue and attendance**

- Often held in the foster home so the IRO can see the child’s environment; a neutral venue can be arranged if parental attendance would unsettle the household.
- **Must attend:** foster carer(s), Supervising Social Worker (SSW), child’s social worker and, where appropriate, birth parents and the child.
- **May attend:** teachers, health professionals, therapeutic workers, Personal Advisor (16+).

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**Your preparation checklist**

1. **Complete the Consultation Document** (if issued) – concise bullet points on health, education, behaviour, spark achievements, contact and delegated authority.
2. **Placement Summary Report** – draft with your SSW during supervision; flag decisions you need (e.g., permission for Duke of Edinburgh expedition, delegated consent for orthodontic treatment).
3. **Evidence of progress** – school certificates, photographs, Life-Story work pages, examples of improved self-care skills.

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**Supporting the child’s voice**

- Explain in everyday language what a review is (“a meeting where the grown-ups check your plan”).
- Help them fill in their consultation form or create alternatives—drawings, video clip, emoji chart.
- If the child feels shy, agree beforehand what you and/or the SSW may say on their behalf.

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**On the day**

- Stick to facts and balanced observations—celebrate sparks and note challenges.
- Raise any safeguarding or delegated-authority issues clearly.
- Note actions, responsible persons and deadlines—these appear in the written review minutes.

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**After the meeting**

- Review minutes arrive within 20 working days; read and query any inaccuracies immediately.
- Update the child’s Placement Plan and Health Passport as required.
- Embed new actions into daily routines and your weekly recordings.

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**Key point:** Reviews are a collaborative checkpoint, not an inspection. Thoughtful preparation and honest participation keep the Care Plan relevant and the child’s journey on track.