FosteringTypes

Short-term fostering provides a stable and caring home for a child while decisions are made about their longer-term future. This may involve supporting a planned return to their birth family, moving to relatives, adoption, or a long-term foster placement.

Placements can last from a few months to up to two years, depending on the child's individual circumstances and care plan. During this time, your role is to offer consistency, reassurance and a safe environment where the child feels valued and supported.

Short-term fostering can be a good option for carers who are able to support change and transition, while making a meaningful difference during an important stage of a child's journey.

Long-term fostering provides a stable and nurturing home for children who are unable to return to their birth families and for whom adoption is not appropriate. It offers children the security, consistency and sense of belonging they need to thrive.

Placements are intended to last for several years, often until a young person reaches independence. During this time, carers provide ongoing stability, emotional support and continuity, helping children build confidence, maintain education, and develop life skills.

Long-term fostering allows strong, meaningful relationships to develop over time, giving children the opportunity to feel fully part of a family while preparing for adulthood in a safe and supportive environment.

Emergency fostering provides immediate care for children and young people who need to leave their homes at short notice due to safeguarding concerns or unforeseen circumstances. This may include situations where parents are temporarily unable to cope, there has been a sudden family crisis, or a child's safety is at risk.

Placements are often arranged very quickly and can last from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the child's circumstances and the plans being made for their longer-term care. During this time, carers offer reassurance, stability and a calm environment where children feel safe and supported.

Emergency fostering plays a vital role in providing children with immediate protection and care at a time of uncertainty, helping them settle while longer-term arrangements are put in place.

Respite fostering provides planned short breaks for children and young people, usually while their foster carers or birth families take time to rest or manage other commitments. These placements are typically arranged in advance and last from a few days to few weeks.

Respite care plays an important role in supporting placement stability and family wellbeing. By offering a safe and welcoming environment for a short period, respite carers help prevent placement breakdowns and ensure children continue to receive consistent care.

This type of fostering offers flexibility while still making a meaningful contribution to a child's support network and overall stability.

Parent and Child fostering involves supporting a parent; often a young mother or sometimes both parents and their baby or young child within your home. The aim is to provide a safe and nurturing environment while helping parents develop the skills, confidence and understanding needed to care for their child safely and independently.

Placements focus on assessment and structured support, working in partnership with social workers and other professionals to evaluate parenting capacity while keeping families together wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Carers play a key role in offering guidance, modelling positive parenting and maintaining clear professional boundaries, while ensuring the child's welfare remains the central priority throughout.

Sibling group fostering involves caring for brothers and sisters together, helping them maintain important family relationships and emotional bonds. Wherever it is safe and appropriate, keeping siblings together provides continuity, reassurance and a shared sense of identity during what can be a difficult time.

Placements may be short-term, long-term or emergency, depending on the children's individual circumstances and care plans. Carers provide a stable and nurturing home where siblings can continue to grow and support one another, while receiving consistent care and guidance.

Fostering siblings can be both rewarding and demanding, as it involves meeting the needs of more than one child. However, it offers a valuable opportunity to make a lasting difference by helping brothers and sisters remain together in a safe and supportive environment.