Fostering placements are many and varied. Every child is different and will have their own individual set of needs to cater for. Some children may only need care for a few days whilst others will need a more permanent placement. What we do know is that many of our children experience behavioural issues, attachment difficulties, learning disabilities or other complex needs that require special care.

No two children are ever the same and as such we judge each situation on a case-by-case basis, making sure the right family match is chosen to deal with the various needs of each child. If you are new to foster care, we will discuss options with you and ensure you are supported with your first placement. If you are experienced, you may have specialist skills in dealing with certain types of children and we will endeavour to harness your skills!

Placement options in England include:

Short-term

A short term placement is for a period of time until it is determined by the placing local authority as to what the long term plan is for the child or young person. Read more about short term fostering by clicking here.

Long-term

Long-term foster care is favoured if adoption is not the best option. This is when the placing local authority has agreed to permanency within the fostering home to provide that child or young person with security and stability until they have reached school leaving age or adulthood. Read more about long term fostering here.

Respite Care

Respite care allows a foster carer to look after a young person for a few days or up to a maximum of 28 days, usually on a regular recurring basis. This allows the birth parents or foster parents some time to rest and have a break. Find out more about respite care by following the link.

Parent and Child

This specialist type of care places a parent and their child under the supervision and assessment of a foster home. This occurs when a parent struggles to adapt to the new baby and may have difficulties caring for them and as a consequence often the placements are directed via court proceedings. To undertake this task, further training and a parent and child assessment are required in order to be approved to offer parent and child placements.

Sibling

Siblings who are taken into care should be kept together, if possible. This helps to keep the child connected with their family and improve stability in their lives. It is not always possible to place children together in the same home. Sibling placements allow families to remain together and not suffer the trauma of being separated from their brothers or sisters.

Unaccompanied asylum seeking young people

Young people who are deemed to be unaccompanied asylum seekers where their residency status within the UK is yet to be determined may need temporary care. A foster family can provide this.

Solo placement

This is where a young person has been assessed to benefit from being the only child in placement. Where carers have been approved to have more than one child placed in their care, the placing local authority have agreed to pay a higher fee to block other children being placed alongside the child.

The reasons for a solo placement can vary from a child requiring a higher level of supervision and support or due to high levels of risk needing to be taken into consideration.