What Is Fostering?
Fostering means offering a safe, stable and caring home to a child or young person who cannot live with their birth family.
Children come into care for many different reasons, but often it’s because their parents are unable to look after them safely at that time. While every situation is unique, many children will still have hopes of returning home one day.
That’s where Foster Carers come in; providing the care, stability and guidance children need to feel safe, loved and supported when they need it.
“We always wanted to foster and have looked after children with different needs over the years. We had all the room, time and love to give to someone.
“It can be challenging but the rewards outweigh everything. You love them unconditionally, but the most wonderful feeling is when they love you straight back. It’s a privilege to watch these kids blossom and exceed their goals in life knowing I played a part in helping to get them there.
Types of Fostering
Interim Care
This is the most common type of foster care. Placements last from a few weeks up to 2 years.
Permanence
With you for the duration of their childhood years.
Long-term Care
Can be several years and sometimes permanent.
Short Break
Young people might stay for a few days regularly, or sometimes for a few weeks.
Emergency
Bridging the gap until a perfect placement can be found or until they can return to their family. Can be one night to a few weeks depending on the scenario.
Pathways – Short-Term *
An intensive fostering model designed to support young people who need a safe, stable and immediate placement following disruption in their care. Placements last between 4 and 12 weeks and focus on stabilisation, assessment and planning for the young person’s long-term future.
* Carers are supported by a wraparound team, including supervising social workers, therapeutic practitioners, education support and activity facilitators. The model combines structured assessment with the warmth and flexibility needed.
For further detail on this specialised role, please mention this during your call with Foster Carer recruitment.
Contact Us
Have a question or ready to take the next step? We’d love to hear from you.
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Fridays 9am–4.30pm