What type of foster care could you offer?

What are the different ways of fostering?

There are many different ways of fostering so you should be able to find one to suit your lifestyle whether you want to care for children or young people.

New foster carers may prefer to provide short term, emergency or respite care at first, and can move on to offer a long-term or permanent place for a child later.

While a child or young person is living in your home you will get an allowance to cover their care, which is non-taxable and does not affect other benefits. You can also get help with other costs like travel, equipment, holidays and celebrations.

We will help you choose which type of fostering is best for you and your family.

Ways you can foster – a brief guide.

Emergency – caring for a child at very short notice because of a family crisis.

Short-term – looking after children for a few weeks or months until difficulties at home are resolved or alternative plans can be made for their future.

Long-term - caring for a young person as they grow up until they are ready to live independently. 

Permanent - supporting a young person who wants to continue living with their foster family through college/university and beyond.

Short breaks - offering children regular short breaks such as one weekend a month.

Skills Level 2 (Fee-Paid) – having the skills and experience to care full-time for children and young people with complex needs, while working closely with the Fostering Service. All fee-paid carers must have, or be committed to working towards NVQ3.

Link – supporting children and young people with a learning, physical or sensory disability, and their families by providing regular short breaks. (please see the Link sections for more information)

Back to homepage