Types of Fostering and how you can help

Are you interested in fostering but are unsure of how it will work for you? Well, we may be able to provide you with an answer. Not all fostering placements require full-time care for long periods; in fact there are different types of fostering placements. Each fostering placement is as equally as important as the rest. If you feel like you could make a difference in a child or young persons life, familiarise yourself with the different types of fostering below and identify which fostering placement may work for you.

Long-term fostering

Long term fostering, sometimes called permanent foster care is similar to adoption, the key difference is that parental responsibility is shared with the child’s local authority. Children and young people in long term foster care should feel they belong and are part of the family as you will care for them until they reach independence and often beyond.

Short-term fostering

Children or young people who require short-term care will be placed with foster carers who are willing to provide care on a time-limited basis.

Parent and child placements

These placements are designed to support parents who require guidance in learning to care for their babies. Foster carers will be expected to work alongside a team of professionals to assess the parent’s ability to look after the child as well as offering support.

Specialist Placements

A specialist placement is designed to care for young people who have experienced trauma, abuse and neglect as well as continual placement breakdowns. Foster carers who opt for a specialist placement will work closely with professionals to ensure that both the child and the foster carer are equally supported during the placement.

Respite Fostering

When full-time foster carers need a short break, planned break foster carers can step in during holidays; weekends or when day-care isn’t available. Planned break foster carers will need to provide the same level of support as full-time carers during their placement. Planned break fostering is a great way for people who are considering fostering to gain experience before committing to placement.

Emergency fostering:

If an unexpected event occurs which means a child can no longer remain in the family home, the child may need a safe place to stay at short notice on a short-term basis. An emergency foster carer will need to be prepared to provide their care at short notice should an unexpected event occur.

Is there a type of fostering which would suit your lifestyle? Are you considering fostering but do not know which fostering placement would work for you? Pitch your questions to us by calling +44 1702 59 77 97 or sending an email to info@fw-fostering.co.uk