Accepting a placement can be a difficult process and the FCAV believes carers should take time and careful consideration before making any final decision. It is important for carers to consider all factors regarding any new placement and how this will affect their family and personal situation to ensure the placement will be positive for everyone involved. Listed below are possible questions carers can ask so they make an informed decision when taking on a new placement.
It is also important to take into consideration that, at the time of referral, your agency may not have all available information about the child or young person. If the placement is going to commence, as much additional detail as possible should then be provided via your agency. You could ask if a 72-hour meeting has been organised where additional questions can be raised.
Have I fostered children with similar characteristics before? Are we a good match?
Do I need additional training or support to make this placement successful?
What is the sex and age of the child or young person?
What is the expected length of the placement?
Why does this child need a foster care placement?
If the child or young person is coming to this placement from another carer, is it possible to speak directly with the previous carer who can provide details regarding the child’s routine?
Is there anything special I should know about how to support this child or young person today?
Are there special religious, dietary, medical, or cultural requirements for the child or young person?
Are there any sensitive key issues to be aware of? Do we have any information about their current emotional or physical state?
What Court Order is the child or young person on?
Are there any special Court Order conditions I need to know about?
Are there any key meetings or Court dates I would be required to attend?
What is the frequency of any family contact? Will these fit with my family?
Who is contact with? Where are contact visits to be held?
Will I need to transport or support the child or young person with contact arrangements?
Are the contact visits supervised, and if so, by whom?
Does the child or young person attend day care, preschool, school? What are the transport arrangements for this?
Does the child/young person have extracurricular activities such as basketball, swimming, other activities that I will be required to transport them to/from?
Will Care Team Meetings be organised and at what frequency?
Does the child or young person require particular care to manage any known allergies, medical condition or current illness?
Are there frequent medical or dental appointments?
Is the child or young person on any medication?
Does the child have a Medicare number and a current Health Care Card?
Are there any special dietary requirements or alerts (lactose intolerance, allergies, Kosher, Halal)
Do the birth parents have any specific requests?
Are there any behavioural issues that I need to know about? (e.g. physical or verbal aggression, sexualised activity, absconding)
Is there a specific plan to guide how these behaviours are to be managed?
Is there any known history of sexual abuse or specific sensitivity towards male or females?
Is there any pattern of non-substantiated allegations of abuse made against previous foster carers?
Is the child or young person from a linguistically and culturally diverse (CALD) background?
Is there a plan to ensure the child has access to appropriate cultural activities?
Are there specific religious / cultural observances that I need to ensure are met?
Is the child or young person from a First Nations family and community?
Is there a longer term plan for the child or young person to be placed with extended family or community within the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle?
Is there a plan to ensure the child or young person has access to cultural strengthening programmes during this placement?
Who will provide me with the appropriate guidance and advice in relation to the child or young person’s cultural needs during this placement?
