The types of fostering
Long term
Long-term fostering involves caring for children who cannot return to their birth families and where adoption is not considered to be a suitable option. In these situations, foster carers will often provide a permanent, stable home for a child or young person until they reach adulthood and are ready to live independently. Long-term fostering offers children and young people a strong sense of continuity and security as they continue to grow up and prepare for a successful future. Unlike time-limited fostering, where the goal may be to reunite the child with their birth family, long-term fostering focuses on providing a permanent home where the child can be supported until adulthood.
Respite
Respite fostering involves caring for children and young people on an arranged, short-term break basis to give either their long-term foster carers or families a temporary break. Respite fostering can be from as little as two days per month, all depending on the child’s needs of course. Respite fostering is an important type of care that allows foster carers or families the time to recharge while ensuring the child continues to receive quality care.
Time Limited
Time Limited fostering, also known as short-term foster care, is for when children and young people first come into foster care while their family situation is being assessed. During this time, until a decision is made about whether they can return to their family, move into long-term foster care, or be adopted, foster carers will provide a stable and nurturing environment. This type of care typically lasts a few months, but can be up to a year or more, and requires foster carers who can provide stability during this transitional period.
Emergency Care
Emergency care involves providing immediate, short-term care for children and young people in urgent situations. This type of fostering is usually required when a child needs to be placed in a safe environment at short notice, often due to crises such as family breakdowns or the need for urgent removal from their home. The placement typically lasts only a few days or weeks until a more suitable care arrangement can be made. Foster carers who provide emergency care offer an essential role to provide a calm, stable environment in cases of sudden change for a child or young person.
Supported Lodgings
Supported Lodgings means you’ll provide an older teen or young adult aged 16-21 with a room in a supportive family home environment. This type of fostering is often for young people who are transitioning out of care, but still need a level of emotional and practical support as they prepare for independent living. From teaching life skills to being a shoulder to lean on when needed, you’ll be a mentor for a young person.
Link Care
Link care is specifically for children who live with their own family and have disabilities or more complex health needs. Link carers receive specialist training to support the children to ensure that they receive the care they need in a safe and supportive environment. The purpose of link care is to provide the families of these children with a break from caring, while offering consistent and compassionate carer that meets both the medical and emotional needs of the child, allowing them to thrive in a secure setting.
PACE
Police and Criminal Evidence (PACE) fostering is for young people under the age of 18 who have been charged with an offence that require a safe and supportive environment to help them navigate the legal process while offering stability during a difficult time. This type of fostering ensures young people only remain in police custody for a short time and no longer than absolutely necessary.
Private Fostering
Private fostering is when a parent asks another adult that is not a close relative to care for their child for more than 28 days. A private foster carer may be in the extended family, such as a great aunt or cousin. Peterborough City Council needs to be notified of any private fostering arrangement to ensure that the child or young person is being safeguarded.
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Find out the right type of fostering for you by taking our quick and easy quiz
Explore the different types of fostering and find the perfect fit for you, your family, and your lifestyle. Take our quick and easy quiz to get started.
