Culture and faith
Familiar food, worship, celebrations and community links can offer comfort and continuity.
Referrals and matching
The right home is about more than a spare room.
Thoughtful matching considers the whole child and the whole fostering household—needs, identity, relationships, routines, skills and capacity to grow together.
Based in ManchesterHere when you’re ready.
Child-centredfrom referral to placement
Identity-awareacross culture, faith and community
Shared decisionwith carers fully informed
Getting to know your family
Strong matches start with honest detail.
After approval, the referrals team creates a profile of your household: personalities, routines, support network, location, experience, training, interests and the kind of care you can realistically offer.
Open discussion about age, behaviour, health, education, contact arrangements, culture, religion, language and other identity needs helps the team recognise referrals worth exploring—and say no when a match is not right.
How a match develops
Information first. Decisions together.
- 01
Referral received
A local authority shares available information about a child and the care they need.
- 02
Potential fit
The referrals and social-work teams compare the child’s needs with approved foster families.
- 03
Carer discussion
You receive the information available, ask questions and consider the impact on everyone at home.
- 04
Local authority decision
Suitable families may be put forward; the child’s local authority decides which can best meet the care plan.
- 05
Placement planning
Professionals agree introductions, practical arrangements and the support needed from the first day.
Belonging in practice
Identity belongs in everyday care.
Hair and skin care
Knowledge, products and routines should affirm the child and meet their individual needs.
Language and connection
Names, language, family relationships and local networks are treated with respect.
A family book
Photos of your household, home, bedroom, pets and interests can reduce uncertainty before arrival.
Take the first step
Could fostering be part of your story?
Ask your questions in a relaxed, confidential conversation with our Manchester team.