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If you've been thinking about fostering, reach out to us to talk about taking the first step. We're waiting for someone exactly like you!
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Types of Foster Care
Every child is different, so there isn't one type of fostering that suits every situation. Whether you can offer a home for a few days, several months or many years, there's a fostering role that could be right for you. Explore the different types of fostering below to learn more.
Types of fostering
Every child's background and their needs are different, so the types of fostering we offer are different too.
Short-Term Fostering
Offer a safe and supportive home while plans are made for a child's future, whether that's returning home or moving to a long-term placement.
Long-Term Fostering
Provide a child with a stable, loving home for many years, helping them grow, thrive and prepare for adulthood.
Therapeutic Fostering
Care for children with complex emotional or behavioural needs using specialist training and therapeutic support.
Parent and Child Fostering
Support a parent and their baby or young child, helping them develop the skills and confidence to care for their child safely.
Fostering Teenagers
Help teenagers build confidence, develop independence and prepare for adult life within a stable family environment.
Respite Fostering
Give foster families or birth families a short break while providing children with continuity of care in a safe, welcoming home.
Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children
Provide a safe, supportive home for a young person who has arrived in the UK without a parent or guardian, helping them settle, rebuild confidence and adjust to life in a new country.
Fostering Siblings
Keep brothers and sisters together wherever possible, helping them maintain the important relationships they already have.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that fostering can be a demanding full-time commitment. That’s why we make sure that we look after our carers to recognise the incredible work that you do and enable you to provide the best care possible.
We offer a competitive rate that covers essentials like food, clothing, and household bills to meet the child’s needs, as well as additional expenses for any special requirements they might have. Alongside your financial allowance, you’ll have access to regular training and round-the-clock support from our team to help you feel confident and prepared.
If you’d like to learn more about how your allowances and benefits are calculated, we’re always here to talk it through!
We prioritise the training and development of our foster carers to ensure they provide the best care possible. All carers complete the mandatory 'Training, Support and Development Standards' course within their first 12 months, supported by their supervising social worker.
We also offer a range of regularly updated courses, including child protection, safe caring, managing behaviour, and first aid, among others, to improve your skills. For some foster carers, such as those doing therapeutic fostering, further training will be required.
If applications don’t work out, it can be for a few reasons. Things like a history of serious criminal offences, a home that’s not suitable for a child, or health challenges that make caregiving difficult might raise concerns. If you’re not upfront and honest during the process, or you don’t complete the required training, it could also affect your chances. If your application is rejected, that doesn’t mean it has to be the end of the road - we can give you advice on what to improve so you can reapply in the future.
Yes, foster carers are entitled to breaks! We offer a 14-day respite allowance to give you time to rest and recharge. We’ll arrange for another approved carer to look after your foster child during your break.
Some carers also include foster children in their family holidays, which can be a wonderful experience for everyone involved. We’ll work with you to plan breaks that best suit your needs and the child’s well-being.