The First Week of Fostering: What Really Happens

Your first placement will be one of the most intense, rewarding, and nerve-wracking experiences of your life. Here's what to realistically expect.

Before They Arrive

Your social worker will share everything they know about the child — their background, needs, likes, dislikes, and any triggers. You'll prepare their bedroom with age-appropriate items.

Day 1: The Arrival

This is overwhelming for the child. Keep things calm and simple. Show them their room, offer food, and let them settle at their own pace. Don't expect conversation or warmth — they're processing a major life change.

Days 2–3: Establishing Routine

Children from care backgrounds thrive on routine. Set consistent mealtimes, bedtimes, and boundaries from the start. Keep expectations gentle but clear.

This is also when you'll start your daily recording. Logging meals, moods, sleep patterns, and any incidents is a statutory requirement — and it matters from day one. Many carers use FosterFlow to make this effortless, capturing observations in a few taps rather than filling out paper forms at the end of an exhausting day.

The Emotional Reality

You might feel:

• Overwhelmed — this is normal. You have 24/7 support from your agency.
• Doubting yourself — every new carer feels this. It doesn't mean you're not ready.
• Deeply moved — small moments of trust from a child are profoundly rewarding.

Your Support System

You're never alone. Your supervising social worker, the child's social worker, and your agency's out-of-hours team are all available. Many carers also find peer support groups invaluable. Fosterline (0800 040 7675) is also available for free, confidential advice.

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Sources: Foster carers (gov.uk) · The Fostering Network
Last verified: March 2026