Types of Foster Placements
Children are all different. This means there are different types of foster homes needed. Having different types of foster placements means that we can provide the best homes for children. When you apply to be a foster carer, we will discuss this with you. Together, we can decide the type of fostering that is best for you. You will also receive training and support to feel fully confident.
Emergency Foster Placements
Emergency placements are short term. They will usually happen on the day we receive the referral, so things may need to be arranged quickly. They might be over night, or for a few days. Emergency placements happen when unplanned situations arise. As time passes, emergency placements may become long-term. This is usually when children are not able to return to their families, and they have settled well into your home.
Short Term Fostering
Short term fostering is usually for a few months. A short-term placement is likely for children who may be returning to their family or moving to a more long-term placement.
Long Term Fostering
A long-term placement will be considered if a child is unlikely to return to their family. If a placement is long term, it means the child is likely to remain with you until adulthood. Children will often still get to spend time with their birth families, but your house will be their stable, secure home.
Sibling Fostering
Often children may come to us as a sibling group. Foster carers are usually approved for up to 3 children. However, if a sibling group is larger, arrangements can be made to enable foster carers to keep them together.
Parent and Child Fostering
In this instance, a parent and their child will live within your home. You will offer the parent support and guidance. Parent and child fostering means that you get to help a family to develop their bond in a stable, nurturing environment.
Respite Foster Placements
Respite care is a short-term arrangement, used when the child will be returning to their permanent home. This might be to give families or foster carers a short break. Respite can be a one off or regular arrangement. For example, you might have the same child who comes to stay every month, or have a one off visit over the holidays.
Specialist Foster Placements
We also offer specialist placements, which you may choose to accept with extra training or support. These will range from therapeutic placements, to children with complex needs, sexual behaviour problems, or children who are seeking asylum. We have a very experienced team who are here to help you every step of the way.
Age of Children
As you can see, there are a lot of different types of fostering placement. As an agency, we also receive referrals for all ages of children. Referrals for new-born baby referrals, however, will be rare (except for parent and child). We will discuss with you any referrals we think you will be interested in. Your social worker will know you well and have a good idea of what you’re looking for. We would always encourage our carers to consider all ages of children, especially teenagers who are often undeservedly overlooked. It will always be your decision whether you decide to put yourself forward for a child or young person.