TYPES OF FOSTERING PLACEMENTS
There are different types of fostering to suit all different types of young people and fostering families.
Foster carers are not expected to do all types of fostering, but tend to specialise in one or two types of fostering.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
