Making the decision to foster is a huge. However, the challenge often starts when it comes to deciding which type of fostering you want to apply for.
Didn’t even realise there was more than one type? You’re not alone! Many people have no idea how many different types of foster care there are.
While your social worker will help you to decide which option is right for you, it helps to have a good idea before you do apply. Here we tell you more about the different types of foster care and how they may be suited to your circumstances…
Long-term or short-term?
A common misconception is that all foster placements are temporary, short-term arrangements. The truth is there are longer-term placements required too which is why one of the first questions you need to ask yourself is whether you would prefer to take on short-term or long-term placements.
With short-term placements children will typically stay with you for anything from just one night to a few months. Longer-term placements can see a child remain with you right the way through to adulthood.
Speciality foster care
We are lucky to have an amazing team of foster carers who together make a difference to the lives of thousands of children. However, there are some types of foster care that have a significant shortage of carers available. These include:
So, if you’re looking to make the biggest difference, it’s worth considering these more specialist types of foster care. We provide training to help you develop the skills and confidence you need and you’ll also receive around the clock support from our friendly team.
Helping you decide
Still not sure which type of foster care is right for you? Don’t worry, we can help you decide during our initial home visit. A qualified social worker will chat to you about your options and assess your suitability for whichever type you’re interested in.
For example, if you want to open your home to siblings, we’ll need to ensure you have the space required. Or, if you’re interested in fostering a child with physical disabilities, moderations may need to be made to your home to accommodate wheelchair use.
Again, this will be discussed with you prior to your application so you have a good idea of which type of foster care is best for you.
Why not call us now for an initial chat so you can learn more about what types of foster care you could provide?