There are many different ways of fostering. New foster carers may prefer to provide short term care at first, and can move on to offer a long-term or permanent place for a child later. Many change what age of children they care for as their own family circumstances change or they gain more experience. As part of the assessment process we will help you choose the type of fostering and the age range of children which is best for you and your family.
We do need carers for all ages of children, but we are particularly keen to hear from people who are able to care for older children or sibling groups.
The different types of fostering: a brief guide
Emergency: Caring for a child at very short notice because of a family crisis.
Short-term: offers a home to a child of any age until difficulties at home are resolved or alternative plans can be made for their future. This may just be for a few days but is usually for at least a number of months, or a year or more.
Long-term care of teenagers: Caring for a young person as they grow up until they are ready to live independently.
Permanent: Supporting a child who, in general, will be between 5 and 12 years of age when they first come into care. They will be fully part of the carers family for the remainder of their childhood and hopefully throughout their adult life.
Short breaks: Offering children regular short breaks such as one weekend a month or one or two week holiday periods.
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 the Diploma in Child Care Level 3. Carers will receive enhanced payments.
Zipwire - Multi-dimensional Treatment Foster Care (MTFC): MTFC carers provide care to children over the age of 11 who have more complex and challenging needs. MTFC will be an alternative to residential care or custody for most children on the programme. MTFC carers can provide either full-time or short break care. Please follow this link for more information about the new Zipwire MTFC programme.
Link: Supporting children and young people with a learning, physical or sensory disability, and their families by providing regular short breaks. For more information about the Link Scheme please download our Link leaflet.
What it's like to foster: carer insights
Babies and young children: the challenges and rewards of fostering children from 0-5 years old
Teenagers: the challenges and rewards of fostering teenagers
Short-term and permanent: the challenges and rewards of fostering children from 0-18 years old, in both short term and permanent placements
