Every foster child in care has different and unique needs. They are also in foster care for a variety of reasons. Because of this, there are different types of foster care arrangements to meet the unique needs of each foster child and ensure the best situation and outcome for them. It is important to know about these types of fostering if you want to become a foster carer so that you can see which one suits your lifestyle, skills, expertise, and experience.
Short-term Fostering
Short-term fostering is where foster carers provide the required support and care for a foster child for a short period. The period can vary from one night to two years depending on the specific situation, such as while the local authority works with the family to see if it’s possible for the child to return to a stable home.
Short-term fostering is how all fostering begins, as every child comes into care on a short-term basis while legal proceedings take place to determine what happens next. Some children will return home, and some will go on to long-term foster care.
Long-term Fostering
Foster care is the best option for children who need a secure and stable home, with plans being for foster children to remain with their foster families for a long time. In most cases, long-term fostering ends when foster children become adults or start living independently.
The emphasis of long-term fostering is creating stability and permanence in a child’s life rather than the amount of time they spend with their foster family.
Emergency Fostering
There are situations where a child may need immediate fostering because of unforeseen circumstances. Emergency fostering ensures children have a safe environment when that happens. Becoming a foster carer is a rewarding experience that allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of children in need. Because of its nature, there is little planning or time to make elaborate arrangements in emergency fostering.
Some reasons a child may require emergency fostering include the parents of the child leaving so that there is no one to care for them, and other issues that cause the child to be vulnerable and at risk.
Respite Fostering
Respite fostering, also known as short break fostering, is where their foster child or children are placed with an experienced foster carer so their primary foster carer can take a break. Becoming a foster parent is an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children in need. It is also a common solution for parents or foster carers of children with special needs who want a break from their demanding schedules.
By preventing foster carer burnout and allowing a child to experience a different situation and environment, they can be great for both the foster carer and the foster child.
Respite fostering happens for a limited time. Foster care agencies can also make plans for a foster child to stay with a different foster family frequently so their primary foster carer can take regular breaks. Foster care can help a child develop social skills by providing them with a stable and supportive environment in which they can learn to interact with others in a positive way. In such cases, the respite or short break foster carer must work closely with the primary foster carer or parents to ensure the child has everything they need to thrive.
Lastly, those interested in becoming foster carers can sign up for respite fostering so they can better understand what becoming one entails. It can be a great introduction to everything about foster care, including the support and peer networks foster carers can access.
If you are considering becoming a foster carer, you should know the different types of foster care available. Once you know what they are, it will be much easier to pick on option that is perfect for you.
