Parent and child placements (sometimes referred to as parent and baby placements) are specialist fostering arrangements that provide care and support to a parent and their child within a fostering household. These placements often occur within the context of care proceedings or to support a parent in learning and developing their parenting skills.
The Positive Aspirations Group recognises that parent and child placements involve unique emotional dynamics and require Foster Carers to demonstrate high levels of empathy, sensitivity, and understanding. These placements must therefore be managed and supported in a trauma-informed way, ensuring that all involved—parents, children, and Foster Carers—feel safe, respected, and supported throughout the process.
Procedural Guidance
This procedure must be read and implemented alongside the SSW New Placements Procedure. The following forms and templates specific to parent and child placements must be used or referred to when a placement is made:
- Parent and Child Policy, Procedures and Guidance
- Parent and Child Payment Policy
- Parent and Child Placement Risk Matrix
- Initial Placement Agreement (Parent and Child Template)
- Child and Parent Safer Caring Policy Template
- Recordings Parent and Child Placement Daily Record Template
Supervising Social Workers (SSWs) should approach each placement from a trauma-informed perspective, being mindful that parents may have experienced trauma, adversity, or disrupted attachment. The goal is to create a nurturing and non-judgemental environment that supports learning and healing.
Types of Parent and Child Placements
Assessment Placements
These usually last around 12 weeks and involve completing an assessment of the parent’s ability to care for their child. The process should be transparent, collaborative, and supportive, with the parent fully informed of what is being assessed and given consistent feedback in a respectful and compassionate way.
Pre-Birth Placements
These placements support expectant parents to prepare for the birth of their child, helping them to understand their own needs and those of their baby. Emotional reassurance and clear, non-judgemental communication are essential to reducing anxiety during this period.
Parenting Support Placements
These placements are for parents who need help developing parenting skills, providing basic care, safety, warmth, and guidance for their child. They may also offer safe accommodation. The emphasis should always be on empowerment, modelling positive routines, and celebrating progress.
Foster Carers Considered for Parent and Child Placements
• No Foster Carer approved for less than one year will be considered for a Parent and Child placement.
• Any Foster Carer interested in undertaking this work must complete an addendum to their Form F, to be presented to Panel and the Agency Decision Maker for reapproval.
• Foster Carers must complete Parent and Child Training prior to undertaking placements, with feedback shared with the SSW and Team Manager.
• Parent and Child Carers must renew this training every three years.
• Parent and Child Foster Carers are expected to have a strong and reliable support network to help them manage the emotional and practical demands of these placements.
• Foster Carers must complete detailed daily recordings in the designated template. These recordings are an important part of the assessment process and may be shared with the Local Authority and courts. Foster Carers should receive guidance and emotional support in maintaining these records in a factual, respectful, and trauma-sensitive way.
• If the courts decide that a parent and child must be separated, or if the parent leaves, the Foster Carer must be prepared and supported to continue caring for the baby/child in a stable and emotionally safe way.
Finance
All Parent and Child placements will receive an enhanced (specialist and targeted) fee to reflect the complexity of the placement and the high level of responsibility required. These fees are non-negotiable with Local Authorities.
Referrals for Parent and Child Placements
Referrals from Local Authorities will be considered on a case-by-case basis. It is the agency’s expectation that full referral information is provided, including:
• A comprehensive referral form with sufficient detail to enable informed decision-making.
• A full and current risk assessment with clear information on how risks will be managed or mitigated.
• Input from the team around the child, the Local Authority Social Worker (LASW), and the Team Manager.
• Consultation between the RAPT Manager/Senior Practitioner, SSW, and Team Manager before any match is confirmed.
• Referrals will only proceed if all parties agree that the placement could be a suitable match, subject to further exploration with the Local Authority.
• Any additional training needs identified for the Foster Carer or SSW.
Matching
The following information must be obtained and considered:
• Basic details of the parent and child.
• Reason for placement request.
• Placement history, including any previous breakdowns and reasons for these.
• Police checks completed by the Local Authority and shared promptly.
• Information about family, friends, and any associated risks.
• Risks related to:
– Parent and child dynamics
– Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
– Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)
– Radicalisation/Extremism
– Gang affiliation
– Self-harm
– Missing from care
– Child trafficking
and how these will be managed.
• Plans for contact and how these will be facilitated safely.
• History of allegations, if any.
• Behavioural information and management strategies.
• Fire-setting history, if applicable.
• Location requirements and any geographical risks.
• Support available from the Local Authority.
• Information about any substance misuse concerns.
All matching discussions must be collaborative and respectful, allowing the Foster Carer space to reflect and ask questions before agreeing to the placement.
Planning
Robust planning should take place before any placement begins and must include:
• Sharing the Foster Carer’s child-friendly profile and welcome book.
• Discussions between the Local Authority, parent, and Foster Carer about introductions.
• A virtual or face-to-face meeting between the parent, their social worker, and the Foster Carer to promote trust and understanding.
• Discussion about finances, Universal Credit applications, and how these will be managed (to be recorded in the Parent and Child IPA).
• Clarity about roles and responsibilities between the Local Authority, parent, and Foster Carer.
• Clear expectations regarding household routines and boundaries, communicated in a way that promotes dignity and mutual respect.
• An Initial Placement Meeting before the move to the Foster Carer’s home, including a review and completion of the Safer Care Policy.
Support for Foster Carers Offering Parent and Child Placements
• Comprehensive referral information and opportunities to ask questions.
• Clear and supportive introductory processes and professional meetings.
• At minimum, weekly telephone support (increased as required).
• Weekly visits for the first two months, reviewed thereafter.
• A review meeting after four weeks to assess impact and support needs—this may coincide with the first CLA review.
• Input from the agency’s Education Consultant and Advocate if the parent is a CLA.
• Access to targeted and specialist training related to parent and child placements.
• Participation in a specialist support group for guidance and peer support.
• Regular network meetings to review progress and identify additional support needs.
• Enhanced managerial oversight, including regular review of recordings to ensure timely support.
• A joint visit by the Team Manager and SSW within the first month, and every three months thereafter, or sooner if needed.
Agency Responsibilities
• Provide targeted training for SSWs involved in Parent and Child placements, alongside training for Foster Carers.
• Ensure all Parent and Child Foster Carers are fully aware of and confident in incident reporting procedures.
• Ensure trauma-informed principles underpin all support, communication, and decision-making related to these placements.
