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Types of Fostering

What types of foster care are there?

Different types of care to fit different needs.

At Red Kite Fostering, we offer a variety of placement options so that you can choose one that best suits your skills and availability.

Like carers, foster children come in a variety of ages, genders, nationalities, ethnic backgrounds, religions and more. The more foster carers there are, the more we can place children in homes that are most suitable for their lifestyle, background, beliefs and interests. In any case, a foster carer has no obligation to accept a placement that they find unsuitable.

It is also possible that the type of foster care you are able to provide may change over time, which will be discussed and reviewed with you if this becomes the case.

Use the tabs below to explore the different types of foster care we offer.

Long Term Foster Care

Sometimes children do not return to their birth family, which is where long term foster care is needed. This may be until the child or young person reaches the age of 18, and sometimes beyond so that they can move on when they are ready.

Some long term placements start out as short term. If later down the line, both the child and the foster carer want the arrangement to become long term this will be discussed with you by the child’s social worker and the Red Kite team.

A huge benefit of long term fostering is the rewarding feeling of watching a child grow up, seeing them reach their potential and being part of a significant positive impact in their life.

For children who need care for a longer period of time

May be an extension of a short term placement

Carers have a larger input in the upbringing of a foster child

Carers build a stronger bond with the children they foster long term

Offers children more consistency and stability

Short Term Foster Care

Short term foster care is for children and young people whose long term care plan is still to be decided. This may be due to family illness, concerning conditions in their family home, the ending of another care arrangement, or whilst other relatives are being assessed for care.

As short term placements last for varying amounts of time, we will ensure you have the right training and support throughout your placement to help you manage.

The child may return home, live with other family members or move into a long term fostering or adoption placement, dependent on their needs. A young person may remain with you as a long term placement if all parties agree that this is the best option.

For children whose care plan is uncertain

Children may have been removed from their birth family home or need a new placement if an arrangement ends with another carer

Can last weeks, months or years

Offers children stability during an unsure time

Sometimes become long term placements

Emergency Foster Care

Emergency foster carers have an important role to play in providing immediate support and help to children when they need it most. They need to be flexible as there is often very short notice given before a child is placed in their care.

As an emergency foster carer, you will not have the chance to meet the child before they are placed in your care. The nature of the emergency can vary, but many children will require additional reassurance and comfort when you meet them, and they may be placed with you at any hour of the day and night.

It is an intimidating role to take on, but we will offer you all the support you need at any time. There is a great need for emergency foster carers to help children through these difficult times.

For children who urgently need a home

Typically short periods of time

May continue to a short or long term placement

Carers need to offer immediate support and flexibility

Help children through a potentially stressful and confusing time

Parent and Child Fostering

In situations where it is possible, a parent and their child(ren) remain together to maintain a level of stability and give the opportunity for a parent-child bond to grow.

A parent-and-child foster carer will provide support, guidance and a home to the parent and young person in their care. This may include knowledge of childcare, budgeting, independence, time management and general life skills. Some parents may have suffered trauma or neglect and will need additional help and patience with this.

As a carer, it will also be your duty to observe, record and report your observations to a dedicated social worker. This will help contribute to an assessment of the parent, noting any significant concerns, and positives, about their parenting capacity.

As every situation is different; arrangements may involve a young mother and baby, an adult father and an older child, or even mother, father and child. Sometimes a mother will be placed with a carer during the pregnancy so they can help them prepare.

For parents and children who need extra support and/or rehoming

Carers provide honest feedback about the parent’s progress, skills and wellbeing

Encourage and support a parent who may have not experienced good parenting themselves

Be a role model, pass on knowledge to those who need it

Help maintain and grow a family bond

Respite Fostering

Respite fostering involves caring for children over a short period of time to offer their regular carers some time for themselves when they need it. The length of time for a respite placement will vary depending on what is needed.

Respite fostering is a great way to network with other carers, which can provide a whole range of benefits to everyone.

It is important to note that often some of the children who need respite care may have complex needs that are more demanding in terms of time and skills amongst carers, but be assured that we will not place a child with you if you do not have the appropriate skills and training.

Usually for children already in a long or short term placement

Offers full-time foster carers a break

Varied term lengths

Often a good introduction to fostering for new carers

Builds a network of support amongst foster carers