Types of fostering
When you enquire about fostering, we will discuss with you which of our fostering schemes would best fit into your life. If you apply, we will provide all the training, support and payments you need to succeed. During your assessment you can decide which type of fostering will suit you best. You may already have an idea about things like age-group; but if you wish, you can change your mind as you go along.
What age and how many children?
Some of our carers foster only babies and toddlers; others get on better with school-age or teenagers. Many are happy fostering all ages.
One? Two? More? It is your choice; although we would have to discuss how much time and space you have if you wish to foster several children at a time.
What different types of fostering are there?
Short-term fostering
A child becomes part of your family until he or she can either go back to their birth family or move on to a new long-term family. A child can be with you for days, weeks or months – sometimes longer depending on circumstances. Short-term fostering can be exciting and very rewarding. Over the years, you will help to change the lives of several children. Your training prepares you for saying goodbye to children who you and your family have become very close to.
Long-term fostering
A child becomes a permanent part of your family. This is similar to adoption, but the main difference is the legal status of the child. Long-term foster families continue to receive the same training opportunities and payments as other foster carers.
Mainstream respite fostering
Your circumstances mean you cannot offer full-time fostering but you are available for part-time care. This can make a huge difference to us supporting our foster carers, enabling them to have a well-deserved rest. For example, respite carers can offer to take children regularly, throughout the school holidays or for weekends only.
Short breaks
This is where disabled young people enjoy regular short stays of one or two nights a month with another family. This benefits their parents as well as the young person and is good fun for the family. Full training is provided.
Enhanced Fostering
Enhanced foster carers are experienced in caring for children and young people with complex needs.
Enhanced carer applicants must have a minimum of 3 years fostering or transferrable experience related to caring for children and young people with complex additional needs, for example, behaviours indicating high levels of trauma and children engaged with psychological services, and/or with high levels of vulnerability and children with complex health needs.
Specialist Fostering
Specialist foster carers are experienced carers who look after only one child who requires intensive, full-time care, support, monitoring and guidance.
Specialist foster carers provide a placement that is therapeutically tailored to the child’s specific needs and must have professional qualifications and/or a background in childcare, youth work, social care, teaching, or be an experienced foster carer.
Next steps?
Contact us for initial information and advice
Contact us
Ring us on: 0116 454 4500
Email: [email protected]