Different Types of Fostering

We offer a range of fostering options designed to help children and families thrive no matter what circumstances they find themselves in.

Emergency Placements

Emergency placements come about when a parent has been rushed into hospital or because a child has been left at home alone and no relatives can be found.

Placements usually last from one to three days, are likely to be at short notice and can be needed any time of day or night.

Short Term Placements

Short term placements are needed where there are longer term problems or illness in the family or the child may have been placed in some kind of physical or emotional danger.

As brief as a few days and possibly lasting a few months, these placements are dependent on the needs of the child and the situation they find themselves in.

The aim is to get the child home as quickly as possible and in the meantime provide a stable home for the child to live in whilst we work with their family to resolve any issues.

Long Term Placements

These placements are generally needed for older children who need a permanent home away from their birth family because of ongoing issues which cannot be resolved.

Such young people often need guidance and support within a caring, understanding and loving home and long-term placements are intended to provide stability and security.

Mother and Baby Placements

Becoming and being a parent of children and small babies can be difficult and stressful for anyone. This is particularly so for young mothers who from time to time need a helping hand.

Placed with a foster carer, the mother continues to provide the daily care to her baby and the foster carer plays a role in encouraging, helping, teaching and supporting them - generally preparing them for the responsibilities of being a parent.

Short Break Care Scheme

Short break carers are people with the time to spare to give children and families 'time out' and the chance to live normal lives, to make friends with another family and take part in social activities which they would otherwise not be able to.

Short breaks are planned in advance and range from 'a supper and sleep-over', a weekend every now and then or sometimes for a week or two.

Specialist Foster Care

There are a small number of children and young people who have suffered particularly damaging life experiences.

Probably in most need of a loving and supportive family environment, unfortunately these children are often placed in residential units with limited positive stimulation or role models because of a shortage of specialist carers.