Foster parents are approved to look after different types of children and young people. Each place for a child in care is called a placement. Some foster parents offer more than one type of placement, some specialise.
Short Term Fostering
When a child or children live with a foster parent for a short period of time from perhaps a couple of weeks to as long as 1 or 2 years. Often used while long term plans are being made for a child, for example whether the child can return home to their family or placed for adoption.
Long Term Fostering
When foster parents provide a long term placement for a child who is not expected to move again or return to their family until they reach independence.
Sibling Groups
We are often asked for families who can offer placements for brothers and sisters so they can stay together. Some foster parents are able to offer placements to two, three or even more children from the same family. This could be on a short or long term basis.
Emergency Fostering
Usually a placement is made on the same day for a few days when a crisis has occurred.
Parent & Child Fostering
This is where a parent, usually the mother, needs help and support to look after their new child, and perhaps an older child. The parent may be a teenager or young adult. The foster parent will need to work with the young parent to develop their skills and knowledge to meet the needs of their baby.
Future plans for the baby will be made during the placement, with the carers being asked to assess the ability of the parent to take on board and utilise new knowledge. Additional training is provided.