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Ways to foster
Types of fostering
Children need different things at different times. Whatever you can offer, there's usually a way to make it count.
Short term fostering
A safe, steady home for a few weeks, months or longer while plans are made for a child's future.
Short term carers look after children while social workers work with the child's family or plan a permanent move. Placements run from a few weeks to a couple of years. Flexibility and a calm routine matter most.
Long term fostering
A stable home for a child who can't return to their birth family. Often until they're grown up.
A family to belong to, through childhood and into adulthood. It takes commitment and patience, for the big moments and the ordinary ones.
Emergency fostering
A bed and a warm welcome at short notice, when a child needs somewhere safe tonight.
Emergency carers take children at very short notice, sometimes the same day. It suits people who can be flexible and reassure a child on a hard day.
Short breaks and respite
Regular weekends or holidays that give children and other carers a break. A good fit around work or family.
Short break carers look after a child for a weekend or a few days, often on a regular pattern. A gentle way into fostering, and a lifeline for the family the child normally lives with.
Parent and child
A young parent and their baby, supported together as they build skills and confidence.
You open your home to a parent and their baby. You model day-to-day parenting, offer encouragement and help the social work team see how the family is getting on.
Fostering teenagers
Guidance, boundaries and someone in their corner as they get ready for adult life.
Many of the children who most need a family are teenagers. Carers help with school or college, friendships, confidence and independent living skills. Many stay in touch for years.
Sibling groups
Brothers and sisters, kept together. Carers with space can make that possible.
Children placed with siblings keep one of the most important relationships in their lives. Sibling carers usually need extra bedrooms and plenty of energy. They get extra support too.
Therapeutic and specialist care
Extra training and support for children who have experienced significant trauma or have complex needs.
Therapeutic carers get specialist training and closer support from our team, including access to clinical guidance, so children can heal at their own pace.
Not sure which type is right for you?
No need to decide now. Talk it through with our team and we'll help you find the best fit.
Prefer to talk? Call us on 0333 188 6786