After approval
How Foster Care Referrals and Matching Work
A strong match is about much more than an available bedroom. It considers the whole child and the whole household: needs, identity, relationships, routines, skills and the ability to grow together.
Careful matching gives every placement a stronger foundation.
Organic FosteringYour household profile
Getting to know your family
Matching starts with a clear picture of your household. A household profile may include routines, family relationships, location, skills, experience, culture, language, interests, support network, approval terms and the needs you feel prepared to manage.
Open information helps identify potential matches and avoid unsuitable ones.
Step by step
How matching works
- 1
A referral is received
A local authority contacts fostering services when it needs a family for a child. Available information may cover the child's background, health, education, family relationships, culture, emotional needs, reason for entering care, family-time arrangements, risks and care plan. Information can be incomplete, particularly in an emergency. The team should explain what is known and what remains uncertain.
- 2
Potential households are considered
The referrals and social-work teams compare the child's needs with carers' availability, approval terms, skills and circumstances.
- 3
You discuss the referral
If you may be a suitable match, the team shares available information. You can ask questions, speak with your supervising social worker, consider everyone at home, identify needed support and decide whether you wish to be put forward.
- 4
The local authority decides
Organic Fostering presents the appropriate household profile to the child's local authority. The local authority considers available families and makes the placement decision.
- 5
Introductions and planning begin
Where time permits, introductions help the child and family become familiar before the move. Professionals agree arrival dates, education, transport, family time, health needs, delegated authority, belongings, safer-care arrangements and support. Emergency placements may happen more quickly.
The whole child
Culture, identity and belonging
Matching should consider culture, heritage, faith, language, food, personal care, community, family, disability, gender and sexuality as part of the child's whole identity.
A perfect cultural match is not always available. Where backgrounds differ, the care and support plan should explain how identity and connections will be protected.
Organic Fostering's May 2025 Ofsted report noted careful matching and attention to children's cultural and heritage needs.
Questions carers ask
Family books and saying no
What is a family book?
A family book introduces your household to a child before arrival. It may include photographs of family members, the home, bedroom, pets, local places and everyday routines.
What if a match does not feel right?
Say so. A responsible decision protects the child, your household and placement stability. Explain the concern and ask for missing information.
Before you ask
Thoughtful matching takes time
There is no guaranteed wait for a first placement. Timing depends on referrals, approval terms, availability and local authority decisions. The priority is the right match, not the fastest placement.
Take the first step
Your fostering questions can start with one conversation
Tell us what you are thinking and ask what matters to you. A member of our Manchester team will explain the next step without pressure or obligation.