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Types of fostering
We provide different types of fostering to meet the needs of individual children.
Short term fostering
When a child needs support for a relatively short period – it might be days, weeks or months – they’re placed with a short term foster carer. This is usually an interim arrangement, until they can return to their birth family or a suitable long term placement is made.
For children with disabilities, we provide planned short term breaks away from their birth families or carers. These are opportunities for children with disabilities to gain new experiences and develop new bonds outside their everyday environment – as well as offering their families or carers a much-needed break.
Emergency care
There are times when a child may need to be placed in care due to unforeseen circumstances. Having emergency care available at short notice means children can be placed in a safe environment without delay.
Long term fostering
Sometimes it’s months or years before a child can return to their birth family. In some cases it may never be possible. So we need foster carers who can provide safety and stability to children until adulthood.
Respite care
Fostering is a demanding role and foster carers sometimes need a break from their caring responsibilities. We provide children with planned short term breaks away from their birth families or foster carers. Respite care gives families or carers some time off, and also allows children to gain new experiences and develop new bonds.
You would be required to do a minimum of one weekend a month and at least 10 days during the school holidays.
Family Link
Family Link is an overnight short break service for children and young people with disabilities. Approved link carers provide regular overnight short breaks for children and young people with disabilities in the link carer’s home. Following approval, children and link carers are matched very carefully. Family Link can be a powerful experience for the children and families who access the service, and the link carers themselves.
Supported lodgings
Supported lodgings placements are a stepping-stone to independence for young people (16+) at risk of homelessness, as well as for those leaving the care system. Providers offer emotional support and the chance to learn vital, practical life skills in a safe place, but they don’t have the same legal responsibilities as a parent or foster parent. The young person will have their own dedicated social worker or personal advisor.
Parent and child placements
Parent and child placements give parents with young children the opportunity to develop their parenting skills, by living with a specially trained foster carer. These placements can help to keep families together.
Private fostering
Private fostering is when parents make a special arrangement for their child to stay with someone else for more than 28 days consecutively. Read more information here.