At Lotus Foster Care, we understand that the first few days of a placement can be emotional for everyone involved. While you’ve completed your training and preparation, the reality of meeting a child and helping them settle into a new environment can feel very different.
The good news is that you won’t face those first 48 hours alone. Our experienced team is here to offer guidance, reassurance and ongoing support every step of the way.
Remember: This Is a Big Change for the Child Too
When a child arrives at a foster home, they may be experiencing a range of emotions.
Some children may feel frightened, confused or anxious about their new surroundings. Others may seem quiet and withdrawn, while some may appear confident or even excited. Every child responds differently to change and uncertainty.
Many children entering foster care have experienced disruption, loss or instability. During those first few days, your role isn’t to solve every problem immediately. Instead, it’s about creating an environment where the child feels safe, welcomed and valued.
Small gestures can make a significant difference, from showing them around the house to asking about their interests or favourite foods.
Focus on Building Trust
One of the most important things you can do during the first 48 hours is begin building trust.
Children in care may have experienced adults letting them down in the past. They are often assessing whether they can rely on the people around them.
Try to keep things simple. Be patient, approachable and consistent. Avoid asking too many questions immediately and allow the child to share information in their own time.
Trust develops through everyday interactions and routines rather than one big conversation.
Establish a Sense of Routine
Routine helps children feel secure.
Simple activities such as mealtimes, bedtime routines and school preparations can provide reassurance and help a child understand what to expect.
You don’t need to create a perfect schedule straight away. Instead, focus on offering structure, consistency and clear expectations.
At Lotus Foster Care, we encourage carers to remember that flexibility is just as important as routine. Every child has different needs, and it often takes time to understand what works best for them.
Be Prepared for a Range of Emotions
The first few days of a placement can be emotionally challenging.
A child may feel homesick, angry, upset or confused. They could test boundaries or struggle to communicate how they’re feeling. Equally, they may appear settled initially before emotions emerge later.
This is entirely normal.
It’s important not to take behaviours personally. Children often need time to adjust, process change and feel safe enough to express their emotions.
Our trauma-informed approach at Lotus Foster Care helps carers understand the reasons behind behaviour and respond with empathy, patience and understanding.
Gather Important Information
As the placement begins, you’ll receive information about the child’s needs, background and day-to-day requirements.
Important areas might include:
- Medical needs and appointments
- School arrangements
- Dietary requirements
- Cultural or religious considerations
- Family contact arrangements
- Hobbies, interests and routines
It’s perfectly normal not to have every detail immediately. Sometimes information becomes available gradually as professionals and carers learn more about the child’s circumstances.
Don’t Feel You Have to Get Everything Right
Many new foster carers worry about making mistakes during their first placement.
The reality is that fostering is a learning journey. There is no such thing as being the perfect foster carer.
Children don’t need perfection. They need adults who are caring, patient, dependable and willing to support them through difficult times.
The first 48 hours are about helping a child feel safe and welcomed. Building strong relationships takes time, and that’s completely okay.
Lean on Your Support Network
One of the biggest advantages of fostering with Lotus Foster Care is knowing help is always available when you need it.
From your supervising social worker to our wider support team, you’ll have access to professional guidance throughout your fostering journey.
Whether you have a question, need reassurance or want advice on a particular situation, we’re only a phone call away.
We believe foster carers provide the best care when they feel supported, informed and confident themselves.
The First 48 Hours Are Just the Beginning
Every fostering journey is unique. Some children settle quickly, while others need more time to adjust. What’s important is creating a nurturing environment where a child can begin to feel secure, respected and cared for.
Those first two days may feel daunting, but they can also be the beginning of a life-changing relationship.
At Lotus Foster Care, we’re proud to support foster carers as they provide stability, encouragement and opportunities for children and young people to thrive. Through training, guidance and ongoing support, we help carers build the confidence they need to make a lasting difference.
Thinking About Becoming a Foster Carer?
If you’re considering fostering and would like to learn more about the support available, the team at Lotus Foster Care would love to hear from you.
Together, we can help create safe, nurturing homes where children feel valued, understood and empowered to reach their full potential.