Bridging

Bridging to prospective adopters or permanent foster carers

Bridging or introductions is the process of a child moving from living with their foster carer to living with either:

a different foster carer
or moving to live with their prospective adoptive parent(s).

When a child needs to move on from your care it can be a very difficult time for the child and for the foster carer. This is why bridging is very important. Everyone needs to work together at this time to give children best chance of having a successful move from one caregiver to another.

What you need to know

Preparation is key: Prior to meeting new caregivers, prospective adopters or foster carers you can support a child by helping them to learn about their new home (under the guidance of your supervising social worker). This might involve sharing a 'Welcome book' with a child or video of their new home. Sometimes prospective adopters will send teddy bears with voice recordings for younger children.
It cannot be rushed: Bridging requires a big time commitment from foster carers. Attending a bridging planning meeting and contributing to scheduling the child's introduction meetings with the new foster carer or prospective adopter. The bridging plan might be for two, three or four weeks. The plan will be reviewed to check that the child is building positive relationships with the new carers. If anyone has concerns that the child will not be emotionally ready to move then bridging might be extended to give the child more time to build a bond with their new caregivers.
Playing the host: In order for children to have the best chance of transferring their bond with you to their new carers you will need to welcome the carers into your home, spend time with them and the child. You need to show the child that you are allowing the new carers to take over caring for the child. This means that prospective adopters might be cooking in your home, feeding the child (children), bathing them, putting them to bed before they transfer this into their own home.
Being brave: the day children move on. The day that a child moves on to live with another foster carer or prospective adopters is an emotionally challenging day. As much as you are able, it is important to keep your own emotions contained. The children are looking to you for reassurance that this is a happy day. As much as you will miss them you can support them best by being happy outwardly, keeping goodbyes brief, and then turning to your support network later that day.

Bridging – when children return to live with family members

Sometimes called reunification, this is when children are able to return back to the care of their families. It could be that children are returning to live with their parents in their home or they could be moving to live with wider family members who they have not lived with before.

A plan will be made which gives children the chance to start building relationships with these family members or rebuilding with their parents.

Around this time the child's time they get to spend with family members will be increased. A plan might include some overnight stays at home to start with.

What you can do

Foster carers can assist in these transitions through supporting more frequent visits to see the child's family.
Sharing helpful information with the child's parent's e.g. new favourite foods, games, activities etc.
Prepare children for the move back home: talk to them about the move, help them prepare mentally and physically e.g. packing belongings in appropriate boxes and luggage.
Using memory books and boxes with children to help them preserve their memories of the time they have lived in your family. This will help them to have a positive ending to the relationship with you.

After children have moved on

Seeking support and talking to others

After bridging children you will likely feel exhausted! It is an intense period of time both physically and emotionally for foster carers. Everyone is here to support you and recognise the achievement of seeing children move on to permanent homes.