Aberlour | Matching process

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Matching process

How we carefully match carers and children for the best possible outcomes.

If you have been successfully approved as a foster carer, it is time to move on to the matching process. Your assessing Social Worker will complete a “pen picture,” an overview of you and your family that is shared with local authorities searching for the perfect match. You’ll also receive tailored information about children looking for a home, so together we can decide if there’s a good fit for your family.

We celebrate diversity in all its forms and celebrate differences in culture, background, skills and experience. That variety is what helps us match the right child with the right family, creating placements that click from day one.

Step 1: Pen picture

Your Social Worker crafts a pen picture that highlights your family’s strengths, routines and passions. This snapshot helps local authorities see exactly why you could be a fantastic match for a child in care and highlights matching criteria.

Step 2: Information pack

We’ll send you an information pack about a potential match with everything from their hobbies and needs to schooling and healthcare requirements. You can review it at your own pace and ask any questions before moving forward.

Step 3: Introductory meeting

If we all feel it’s a good fit, you’ll meet the child’s Social Worker, joined by your Aberlour Social Worker, to hear more about the child’s story and the support network around them. It’s your chance to ask detailed questions and build trust.

Step 4: Child moving in & support

Once all parties agree, the child moves in, often beginning with short visits before full-time placement. Our team remains by your side with regular reviews, training and 24/7 support to ensure the match thrives.

Ask us about out matching process

Would you like to know more about our matching process and fostering with Aberlour? Contact us and our friendly fostering advisors will talk you through it.