Short term foster care

Children and young people of all ages need foster carers to look after them while decisions are made about where they are going to live long term. This could be anything from a few days to over a year. Their family may have been unable to care for them and many will have experienced some form of trauma prior to entering into foster care. We particularly need care for sibling groups and young people aged over 10.

Short-term care allows us to plan for the needs of children and their families, to work towards children returning home or to an alternative long-term home such as adoption or being looked after by extended family. As a short-term carer you will need a good understanding of children’s needs and will have the ability to contribute to a child’s care plan. You will also need to work in partnership with professionals and the child’s family to promote the child’s wellbeing whilst they’re in your care.

What will I need to do?

When caring for a child on a short-term basis, you will need to: 

• Show you have the commitment and ability to really listen to and accept a child. 
• Support children to prepare them for moving on; either to return to their family’s care, to a long-term placement or onto adoption. 
• Encourage and support them to access education and extra-curricular opportunities. 
• Recognise that behaviour is a form of communication and adapt the way you parent accordingly. 
• Offer a safe and caring environment for a child and help them maintain a relationship with their family. 
• Work with a core group of professionals who will support you to care for the child effectively. 
• Commit to developing your own knowledge and attend training. 

What support will I receive?

As a foster carer, you will receive: 

• Excellent training and an opportunity to undertake a QCF Diploma for the Children’s Workforce after a qualifying period. 
• Above national average financial allowances. 
• Opportunities to progress to receive up to £246.05 on top of the child’s weekly allowances. 
• Support from a committed Fostering Social Worker and other social care professionals who will be there to help and offer advice. 
• Opportunities for peer support and networking. 
• Support from our in-house psychologist. 
• Access to 24-hour support via the foster care support line and emergency duty team.