Ending a Placement

Why Placements End or Change

Children may move for different reasons:

• Returning to family or extended family.
• Moving to a foster or kinship home better suited to their needs.
• Preparing for independent living (for older youth).

Important: Moves are about meeting the child’s needs — they are not a reflection of your care.

How You’ll Be Involved

As a carer, your role includes:

• Preparing the child: Explain the move in ways they can understand.
• Sharing information: Give new carers details about routines, likes, needs, cultural connections, and medical info.
• Supporting emotional wellbeing: Help the child express feelings about leaving.
• Working with the caseworker: Attend meetings or discussions if possible.

Practical Steps for a Smooth Transition

1. Plan ahead: Your caseworker will explain the timeline and what will happen.
2. Say goodbye thoughtfully: Encourage the child to take photos, letters, or keepsakes.
3. Share knowledge: Provide a clear picture of the child’s routines, needs, and cultural connections.
4. Stay connected if appropriate: Phone calls, messages, or visits may be arranged.
5. Debrief: Discuss with your caseworker what went well and any concerns.

Example Goodbye Routine

1. Talk Ahead: Explain what will happen and when.
2. Pack Together: Allow the child to take favourite items, keepsakes, or photos.
3. Memory Sharing: Reflect on positive memories or experiences in the home.
4. Special Goodbye: Hug, handshake, or personal ritual the child is comfortable with.
5. Explain Next Steps: Outline what will happen after they leave (visits, phone calls, or messages).
6. Check In: Offer reassurance and answer any last-minute questions.

Tip:Adapt the routine to the child’s age and comfort level. Even small rituals help children feel safe.

Emotional Impact on Carers

It’s normal to feel:

• Sadness or grief when a child leaves.
• Guilt or worry about the child’s wellbeing.
• Relief mixed with sadness, especially after challenging times.

What can help:

• Allow yourself time to grieve — feelings are valid.
• Talk with your caseworker or a peer support group.
• Reflect on the positive impact you had on the child’s life.

Emotional Impact on the Child

Children may feel:

• Sad, anxious, or confused about leaving their current home.
• Worried about meeting new carers.
• Relief if moving back to family.

Tips to support them:

• Speak honestly and calmly about the reasons for the move.
• Use words appropriate to the child’s age and understanding.
• Encourage them to express feelings and ask questions.
• Reassure them that their feelings are normal.
• Let them ask questions and answer as clearly as you can.
• Encourage them to talk about worries or excitement.
• Focus on what will stay the same (routines, friendships, connections).
• Share memories or keepsakes to help them feel secure.
• Avoid blaming language — the move is about meeting the child’s needs, not their behaviour.

Tip: Keep conversations short and repeat key points over time to help them feel secure.

Caseworker Support

Your caseworker can:

• Explain the placement change and timeline.
• Help the child prepare emotionally.
• Provide resources for carers and children to manage grief.
• Coordinate with the new carers to ensure a smooth transition.

Where to Get Emotional Support

• Caseworker: Your first point of contact for guidance and reassurance.
• Peer Support Groups: Connect with other carers who understand placement changes.  Visit: Carers for Kids NSW - peer support group page or AbSec Carer Support line.
• Counselling Services: For carers and children to talk through feelings and manage grief.  Your caseworker can link you to counselling.
• Training & Workshops: Learn strategies for managing transitions and supporting emotional wellbeing.  Ask you caseworker what training your agency provides and visit: Carers for Kids NSW -  training opportunities for carers.
• Carer Helplines: Confidential advice for urgent questions or emotional support. See: Advocacy, Support and Training resources.
• Financial & Practical Assistance: talk to your caseworker to ensure approved support continues during the change.
• Read: Grief and loss - navigating change, grief or loss for carers.

Tip:Don’t wait until you feel overwhelmed — accessing support early helps both you and the child.

Tips for Carers

• Keep communication open with the caseworker and new carers.
• Allow yourself to grieve — it’s part of caring.
• Remember the difference you made in the child’s life.
• Seek support if you are struggling — your wellbeing matters too.