May 29, 2025
Placing a child in foster care is more than just finding a free bed — it’s about finding the right fit. From the first referral to the final decision, every step matters. This post breaks down how foster care placement works in the UK, where it often goes wrong, and what Ofsted says makes it work better. Whether you’re with an IFA or a local authority, you’ll also see how tools like Starmatch can help you match faster, with fewer compromises — and better outcomes.
When a child enters care, the local authority (LA) placement team drafts a brief profile including the child’s age, needs, and non-negotiables (such as school continuity or sibling contact). They first check their own foster families. If no one fits, a referral email is sent to several Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs).
Each IFA sifts through its carer database, calling those who look like a potential match. If a carer agrees, their profile—skills, household setup, availability—is sent back to the LA. Placement officers compare all the offers and select the family that best suits the child’s needs.
For planned moves, a placement meeting is arranged in advance. In emergencies, it might all happen within hours. Once the child is placed, support from both the LA and the IFA begins immediately to help keep things stable.
A successful foster care placement isn’t about who’s available—it’s about who’s right. Ofsted’s detailed review of placement practice found that many disruptions happen not because professionals don’t care, but because the system doesn’t always give them the time, context, or tools to make the best call.
Too often, referrals lack essential detail: trauma history, behavioural needs, or even simple insights into the child’s preferences. Carers are left making life-changing decisions with limited information. Ofsted makes it clear: placements are far more likely to succeed when carers are treated as professional partners, not just spare capacity.
One of the strongest findings in the report is the importance of involving children in placement decisions. When children feel heard—about school, siblings, location, or the kind of home they’d feel safe in—they’re more likely to settle and build trust.
Even simple steps like showing a photo of the carer or arranging a quick video call can make the transition feel more personal, and far less frightening.
So what sets successful placements apart? Ofsted’s research points to a few key points:
The common thread? Better matching through better information.
That’s exactly where Starmatch comes in. Built with input from IFAs and placement leads, Starmatch helps teams:
It’s not about replacing judgment—it’s about supporting good decisions with better data, even when time is tight and the referral volume is high.
Foster care placement will always be high-stakes, but it doesn’t have to be high-stress. With the right processes, tools, and priorities, every referral becomes an opportunity to get a child closer to stability.
For IFAs and local authorities alike, the mission is shared: find the right carer, the first time, for the child who needs them. When we match well we give children not just safety, but the chance to truly belong.