Short term fostering

This is also known as task centred fostering. A placement can last between one night and several months, depending on the circumstances and the legal situation. Short term fostering occurs when a child needs to leave their home, for various reasons, with the intention that they return home once any difficulties have been sorted out.

If the child cannot return home, the placement may last much longer, often over than a year, while we find them a new permanent home (longer term fostering or adoption). The foster carer will help to prepare the child to move to a new family. Carers are also closely involved in helping the new family understand the needs of the child and prepare for their arrival.

Longer term fostering

Sometimes children are unable to return to live with their parents. Longer term fostering allows a child to remain in contact with their family whilst growing up in a safe and caring environment.

The child will live with the longer term foster family and will continue to be visited by a social worker. Regular meetings will take place every six months to make sure that the child is settled. Foster carers are supported by the child's social worker and a family placement worker during the placement.

Longer term fostering is different to adoption. Some children don't want to be adopted but need to be in a safe and caring environment as they grow up. Long term fostering provides that security and helps those young people achieve their potential.

Mother and baby placements

We sometimes needs carers who can support young mothers and help them care for their babies.

Some carers have developed skills in this area of work. They take part in assessments and encourage young mothers without taking over their parental responsibilities.

Specialist fostering

This is a specialist scheme to provide foster placements for children aged eleven and over who have particular needs, behavioural difficulties, or children with severe disabilities. Carers will need to be able to make the commitment to see the child through times of difficulties. They need to be available at any time the child may need them. For example, if they have been excluded from school, or if they need to appear in court. Carers need to have great flexibility in any part time working arrangements, or be at home full time.

Placements may be short or long term, depending on the child's needs. Because of the level of skill and time involved, specialist fostering is a full time commitment and carers are paid a retainer and a weekly fee, on top of the normal weekly fostering allowance.

Support or respite fostering

This is part-time foster care for children.

Part time care may be needed to help families in difficulty, providing a break for parents and children. These breaks are often over weekends or holidays.

This is also used to offer a break to full time foster carers, often over weekends or holidays. Part-time carers also provide cover when foster carers are unwell or face family difficulties.

Children in residential schools sometimes need care with a foster family at weekends and school holidays