Respite Foster Care

Perfect for anyone who can’t commit to caring for children long term but would still like to make a difference.

What is Respite fostering?

Respite fostering is a type of short-term care that gives foster carers a well-deserved break while still ensuring that children are looked after in a safe environment. It can last anywhere from a few hours to a weekend, depending on the needs of the child and their carers.

Respite care is planned in advance and typically covers shorter periods of time. It’s designed to support foster carers and families, usually covering regular breaks or specific times when carers need a bit of extra help or time to recharge.

It’s a wonderful way to gain some experience of fostering if you’re thinking about doing it on a longer-term basis or if you just want to make a difference but can’t commit full-time.

What are the benefits of Respite Foster Care?

Respite fostering is all about stepping in to support kids and their carers when it’s needed most.

You give foster carers or families a well-earned break while ensuring the children they look after are cared for in a safe and loving home.
It’s a great option if you want to foster but can’t commit to long-term placements.
Respite care is a great way to gain valuable fostering experience if you’re considering something longer-term.
You help maintain continuity of care for children, offering them reassurance during transitions.
Even a short amount of time can leave a lasting impact on a child’s life.

Am I eligible to be a carer?

Becoming a foster carer means offering a stable and caring home for children who need it most. To ensure each child’s well-being, foster carers need to meet some essential criteria.

You need to be:

At least 21 years old
A UK resident
In good physical and mental health
Have a safe, clean, and comfortable living space with a spare bedroom for the foster child

It is also really important that you have the right character. Our carers are kind, patient, friendly, dedicated, and mature enough to handle the demands of the role.

How to become a Respite carer?

Speak with Us

The first step is to get in touch! We’ll have a chat to learn more about you, answer your questions, and explain what respite fostering involves. This is your chance to find out if fostering is the right fit for you.

Home Visit

Next, we’ll arrange a visit to your home. Don’t worry - it’s not about perfection! We’ll check that your home is safe and has enough space, and we’ll talk more about what fostering looks like day-to-day.

Application Form

If you’re ready to move forward, you’ll fill out an application form. This gives us all the important details about you, your family, and your background so we can get the ball rolling.

Checks and References

As fostering is such an important role, we’ll carry out thorough checks, including a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, and speak with your references. This is to make sure everything is in place to support you and the child you’ll care for.

Fostering Training

Before you welcome a child into your home, you’ll attend our fostering training sessions. These are designed to give you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to provide the best care possible.

Panel Interview

The final step is meeting our fostering panel. This is a chance for us to discuss your application and for you to share why you want to foster. If approved, you’ll officially be ready to start your journey as a foster carer!

Start your fostering journey today

Get in touch with us

Allowance and benefits

When you choose to foster, you’ll receive benefits and allowances designed to cover the costs of care and recognise the incredible work you do. We’re proud to offer a competitive rate that ensures you’re fully supported in providing the best possible care.

Your allowance covers essentials like food, clothing, and household bills to meet the child’s needs, as well as additional expenses for any special requirements the children 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!