TYPES OF FOSTERING PLACEMENTS
There are different types of fostering to suit all different types of young people and fostering families.
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Foster carers are not expected to do all types of fostering, but tend to specialise in one or two types of fostering.
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Short Term Fostering
This type of foster carer can provide a home for young people up to two years, usually a few days or weeks, until their long-term plan is ready. Children often go back to live with their birth families after a short-term placement, or to live with long-term foster carers.
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Long Term Fostering
Long term placements are for foster carers who can provide a home for children with the intention of them being there for a number of years, or until the child is able to live independently.
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Emergency Fostering
These foster carers provides a home for children who need a stable environment urgently, any time of the day or night. This is usually on a short term basis.
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Respite Fostering
These foster carers would be able to look after a young person short term whilst their long-term foster carers have a short break. This could last anything from a few hours to a few weeks dependent on the young person and the carers needs.
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Parent & Baby Fostering
With parent & baby, foster carers provide a nurturing home in which young parents can be taught skills to support and aid them to care for their baby. As a foster cares your focus is supporting the mum or dad while they look after their baby.
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Specialist Disability Fostering
Homes for specialist disability fostering are specifically tailored for children with physical, developmental, sensory or intellectual disabilities - foster carers are trained on how to help the young person and given support throughout the placement.
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Remand Fostering
Although there is minimal requirement for this, remand foster carers provide a short-term home in which young offenders, or children awaiting criminal conviction, can live.
