Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to ensure that the initial placement for every child is planned in a way that promotes safety, stability, and emotional security. A trauma-informed approach recognises that the child or young person may be entering a new environment after experiencing loss, uncertainty, or distress. Therefore, all discussions and actions during the Initial Placement Agreement (IPA) process must be sensitive, collaborative, and designed to build trust and predictability for the child and foster family.
Procedure
The Initial Placement Planning Meeting (PPM) should take place at the foster carers’ home within seven (7) calendar days of the placement being made.
• The Supervising Social Worker (SSW) and the child’s Local Authority Social Worker (LASW) attend this meeting along with the foster carer(s) and the young person, where it feels safe and appropriate for them to be involved.
• At times, the child’s parent or significant family member may also attend, particularly when the child is accommodated under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989, if this supports the child’s sense of continuity and belonging.
Completion of the Initial Placement Agreement
The SSW must complete an Initial Placement Agreement (IPA) for each child placed with a foster carer.
• For sibling groups, each child should have their own individual IPA, ensuring their unique needs and experiences are recognised.
• The IPA template is stored on the relevant agency drive in the folder: ‘Forms and Templates/Fostering Forms’.
It can be helpful for the SSW to complete sections of this form in advance, for example through a telephone discussion with the LASW prior to the PPM. This allows the LASW to gather necessary permissions and information that will support a more informed and calm meeting.
If, for any reason, the PPM cannot take place within the expected timescale, the SSW and foster carer should complete the form on a provisional basis and store it securely on Base.
• This ensures that there is a shared understanding of key arrangements and safeguarding measures while awaiting formal confirmation.
• However, this remains a temporary measure, and a formal PPM must be convened and the IPA signed by the Local Authority to formalise the placement in accordance with regulations.
Purpose and Content of the Agreement
The IPA is designed to ensure that all significant matters relating to the child’s care are discussed, agreed, and recorded in a clear and supportive way. The agreement should capture not only factual details but also the emotional and practical supports required to help the child settle safely.
• The SSW must remain alert and reflective during the PPM, particularly where new or sensitive information is shared by the Local Authority which was not included in the referral. Such information may influence the matching assessment or highlight additional support needs for the foster family.
• The SSW should review the referral documentation beforehand and, if possible, have a copy available during the meeting to aid transparency and consistency.
The IPA should also clearly record all matching considerations and any identified gaps as outlined in the matching documentation at the time of placement.
• This is also an opportunity for the SSW and foster carer to jointly identify any training or support needs that would help the family meet the child’s emotional, behavioural, or developmental needs.
Collaborative and Trauma-Informed Planning
Positive Aspirations Group staff and foster carers will participate in making plans for the child or young person in a spirit of partnership, working alongside the child, their family network, and the placing Local Authority.
• Planning should recognise the child’s strengths, cultural identity, relationships, and preferences wherever possible.
• Families are encouraged to comply with agreed plans to the best of their ability, recognising that these plans are designed to promote safety, emotional wellbeing, and recovery from trauma.
Recording and Sharing
All completed and signed IPA templates must be uploaded to Base and shared with all signatories. This ensures everyone involved in the child’s care is informed, coordinated, and working in line with the same plan.
• When sharing documents, the SSW should take care to explain the plan in clear and accessible language, particularly to the child or young person, ensuring they understand what has been agreed and who is responsible for what aspects of their care.
