Being a foster carer doesn't have to mean looking after a child seven days a week. There are lots of different ways of fostering, and you need to think about what types of care you would be able to offer. Some foster carers do short breaks; others take children for months or even years. Some people choose to look after children of a particular age group; others want to care for disabled children. We can help you decide what type of fostering is best suited to you and your circumstances. Here is a brief guide to the types of care you can offer:

 

SHORT TERM TEMPORARY FOSTERING

This can be anything from a few days to several months or longer and is usually needed because of a family crisis. The parents may be ill, or the child may have been abused or hurt in some way. Short term fostering provides a safe place for the child to live while social workers work with the child's family to try and sort out problems.

Naturally, many of the children are confused and upset about the move and need a sensitive approach from their foster carers. Some may react by being noisy and defiant, others by being withdrawn and quiet. Each child will be experiencing their own muddle of emotions and foster carers have an important role to play in helping them understand what is happening. The aim of most short term fostering is to get the child back to their family as soon as possible.

LONG TERM PERMANENT FOSTERING

Sometimes children cannot return home to live with their parents. Their parents may not be able to change enough to be able to care for their children properly, even though they may love them. In these cases, long term fostering allows a child to grow up in a stable, supportive home until they become independent. It is usually older children who need a permanent foster home. Many of them keep in touch with their families, and as a foster carer you will help them keep this link.  

CARING FOR TEENAGERS

To see the separate fact sheet on caring for unaccompanied asylum seeking teenage boys from countries such as  Iraq, Iran, Kosova, Palestine, Pakistan and Somalia CLICK HERE (pdf).

Teenagers need carers who are tolerant, patient and flexible but also able to lay down clear boundaries so they know where they stand. Someone able to listen and help make sense of their world. Fostering teenagers may also mean getting involved with schools or further education colleges, or being in contact with housing and benefit agencies.

Young people often need help to develop the maturity and skills they need to organise their lives. If a young person has been in care for some time they may not have the confidence to look after themselves properly. Helping them to manage their feelings and behaviour, enjoy time with their family and friends, and feel good about themselves and their achievements can make all the difference.

Relationships made with foster cares can remain important to a young person, even after they have moved on. Knowing there is a warm welcome and an occasional meal can make all the difference to their self-esteem.

Fostering teenagers is hard work, but the rewards can be great: the sense of fulfilment as a young person begins to trust you, enjoyment as you get to know them as individuals; satisfaction as you see them gain confidence and start to feel hopeful and optimistic about the future.

BROTHERS AND SISTERS

Keeping brothers and sisters together is very important, even more so if the children are coping with changes in their lives. However once in care large groups of children are likely to be separated as there are fewer foster homes able to take three or more children. There is a great need for foster carers who can take on groups of children so if you think you would enjoy this type of care you may find you have a full house very quickly!  

DISABLED CHILDREN

Sometimes families need a short break from caring for a child with disabilities. Foster carers can offer a helping hand for an agreed period. Some foster carers choose to specialise in fostering children with physical disabilities or learning difficulties. If you are interested in this type of care, you will be offered additional training and support and you may find yourself working with a range of health and care professionals.

Below you can download a leaflet version of this webpage in PDF format.

 Click here if wish to download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software)

Download 'Types of Foster Care Explained' (Leaflet LE3, 56KB)

 

_____________________________________________________

HOME I STAFF & MANAGEMENT I WHAT IS FOSTERING? I TYPES OF FOSTERING I ISLAM AND FOSTERING

ASSOC OF ISLAMIC FOSTER CARE I APPLYING TO FOSTER I DOWNLOADS I USEFUL LINKS

 

Copyright (C) Foster Care Link, 159B Stoke Newington High Street, London N16 0NY

Tel: 020 7923 0330, Fax: 020 7923 1754, Email: admin@fostercarelink.com