--- title: SSW Concurrent Placement Agreement Procedure description: "When a new placement is made and there is already a child or children in placement, RAPT (Placement Team) and the Supervising Social Worker (SSW) must **carefully and collaboratively** consider whether concurrency (the placement of more than one child or…" url: "https://handbook.co.uk/docs/ssw-concurrent-placement-agreement-procedure/" updated: "2025-12-04" category: Social Work Procedures tags: - Concurrent Placement Agreement --- # SSW Concurrent Placement Agreement Procedure When a new placement is made and there is already a child or children in placement, RAPT (Placement Team) and the Supervising Social Worker (SSW) must **carefully and collaboratively** consider whether concurrency (the placement of more than one child or sibling group in the same foster home) is in the **best interests and emotional wellbeing** of the child or children currently in placement. This decision-making process must be **guided by principles of safety, stability, and trauma-informed care**, ensuring that each child’s voice, background, and emotional needs are recognised and respected. - This should be considered jointly by RAPT and the relevant SSW during the **matching process**. *(Please refer to the Matching Procedures for further information.)* --- **Gaining Agreement for Concurrent Placements** In many situations, the child currently in placement may have been placed by another Local Authority. Therefore, we have a **statutory and ethical duty** to seek agreement for all concurrent placements from the child’s allocated Social Worker (SW). This ensures that both the **care and safety needs** of all children in the home are understood and upheld. It is the responsibility of **RAPT** to obtain **specific concurrent consent** prior to confirming the new placement. - This consent **must be obtained prior to the start of the new placement**, unless the placement is made in an emergency on the same day or out of hours. - Where an emergency placement (same day or out of hours) occurs, obtaining concurrent consent **must be treated as a priority task**, recognising that prompt communication supports the emotional safety of everyone involved. --- **Emergency Concurrent Placements** In situations where an emergency placement is made, **RAPT** will seek concurrent consent as soon as practicable. RAPT will email the allocated Local Authority Social Worker (LASW) and copy in the SSW with the following information: 1. Age of the child. 2. An outline of the reason for being in care (written in neutral, factual language, avoiding judgemental or deficit-based wording). 3. Confirmation that there are no known behaviours which present a risk to the existing children in the foster carer’s care. 4. Any other relevant information needed for safeguarding or support planning. 5. Clarification that the SSW will **proactively monitor the wellbeing** of all household members and offer emotional and practical support to address any challenges or changes in family dynamics. Any information shared will be on a **“need-to-know” basis**, in line with **data protection principles**, and will be appropriately anonymised where possible to maintain confidentiality and dignity. The **RAPT officer** who made the placement is responsible for: - Ensuring concurrent consent is obtained and documented. - Regularly following up if consent is delayed. - Uploading all correspondence and evidence of communication to Base, ensuring transparency and auditability. --- **Longer-Term and In-Principle Concurrent Agreements** For some **longer-term placements**, and where appropriate, it may be advantageous to obtain an **“in principle” agreement** for placing another child concurrently in the future. This can help plan transitions thoughtfully and reduce anxiety for carers and children. Where this is appropriate: - The **SSW** should take the lead in obtaining this in-principle agreement, as they often have a **trusted working relationship** with the child’s social worker. - The SSW must share any such agreements with **RAPT** to ensure consistent record keeping and coordination. Even with an “open” or in-principle agreement, the agency **still has a duty** to notify the Social Worker of the child or children already in placement whenever a new child is being considered. - It may still be necessary to obtain **specific written consent** for each concurrent placement to ensure full transparency and safeguarding. - Where specific concurrent consent is required, the procedure described above must be followed, and **RAPT** will retain responsibility for obtaining this. --- **Trauma-Informed Practice Expectations** All professionals involved in concurrent placement decisions must: - Approach discussions with **empathy, sensitivity, and transparency**, recognising that placement changes and new arrivals can be unsettling for children who have experienced trauma or instability. - **Prepare foster carers and children** emotionally for concurrent placements through open discussion, reassurance, and practical planning. - Be alert to **changes in household dynamics**, ensuring that each child continues to feel seen, safe, and supported. - Use **reflective supervision** and communication between RAPT and SSWs to identify and respond early to stressors or emotional overload within the household. ![](https://handbook.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/FC1.png) ![](https://handbook.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/FC2.png)