Find out if you could be a foster carer
In a few simple questions, you’ll know if you’re suitable to apply to become a foster carer.
As a respite foster carer, you will provide temporary care for foster children when their foster parents need some time to themselves. We arrange planned respite care where possible so the child can establish a trusting relationship with their respite foster parent.
Respite foster care, also known as short break foster care, provides temporary care for foster children when their foster parents or birth family need some time to themselves. The time you will be providing care is usually short, ranging from 1 or 2 days to about a week. Wherever possible, we arrange respite care in advance, so that the child is placed with the same respite foster parent each time.
You’ll be providing an invaluable service to foster or birth families who need a well-earned rest in order to continue caring for a young person. You’ll be giving families the chance to stay together thanks to a much-needed opportunity to rest.
It is a highly specialised and rewarding role. You’ll be offering them a home-away-from-home where they can thrive. This type of care can take place during the week or at weekends.
Our respite foster carers don’t do this alone: National Fostering Group provides excellent support and training. You have a dedicated Supervising Social Worker who is backed by an experienced local team, access to 24/7 advice and excellent training delivered in your area.
If you think this type of fostering would suit you, please enquire now.
Just as you would if you wanted to become a long-term or short-term foster carer, you go through an application process to be on your way to becoming a respite foster carer. The process itself starts with filling out an enquiry form followed by an information pack or a phone call discussion with us about fostering, what type of fostering you’re interested in and your next steps. Learn more about becoming a foster carer.
Short break foster care gives time off to foster families and birth families who are in need of extra support because of high levels of stress. Basically, they need to have a short period of time to recharge their energies.
Respite fostering gives families the chance to stay together and a much-needed opportunity to rest. It’s also ideal for families with a child who has a disability or additional needs; it gives them time away from the demands involved in caring for a child who has high-level care needs.
Children from families who need respite foster care are linked to a foster carer – a familiar face who can provide regular periods of respite. This means the child won’t feel disrupted by the change and can build a trusted relationship with the respite carer.
Respite care is often the difference between a challenging foster placement working and not. It makes foster family life work in difficult situations – nobody burns out and everyone gets what they need.
Respite carers are surprisingly hard to find but it makes such a difference. This type of foster care allows bigger things to happen. They play themselves down as if they’re not as important, but this isn’t the case at all!
Robert’s family had received respite care to alleviate pressures on his family. He was 11 years old, on the cusp of puberty, and had ADHD, ODD and Asperger’s syndrome. This made some of his behaviour quite challenging.
He was placed with Diane initially for respite foster care. Diane continued to provide him with the routines he was familiar with and reassured by, and he thrived on one-to-one attention.
The relationship between them was working well, so Robert was eventually placed with Diane long-term. The commitment she was able to give him on a full-time basis created a trusting bond; when Robert revealed he was transgender, Diane was able to help him explore – with the help of professionals – what this means to him. Read Robert’s full story.
Respite foster care is important for foster parents because it allows them to take some time for themselves. We all need breaks to recharge, even parents, and by providing respite foster care, you allow the foster parents to take care of their own wellbeing too so they can come back and continue to give their foster child the best care possible.
If you have any more questions about becoming a respite foster carer, we recommend getting in touch to talk it over with complete confidentiality. We have teams in every region, so you will be able to chat with a fostering professional who is local to you. They will be able to share their experience and give you all the information you need to make a decision.
Many of our respite foster carers become full-time foster parents. They experience the highly rewarding nature of foster care and simply feel it’s right for them long term. Short break fostering often allows carers to get a feel for what full-time foster care could be like, and whether this is something they could do full-time.
If you find yourself in this position, you can simply speak to your Social Worker who will guide you through the process. The process itself is straightforward and quick, and you will not have to go through another assessment. To speak to us further about transferring from respite foster care to full-time fostering, get in touch with us and we’ll further discuss any questions you may have.
