Emergency Fostering
Every week in Birmingham, children and young people are brought into care because of an emergency situation. This could be at any time of the day or night, and often the children will come to you in a distressed state and with few, if any, belongings.
What is Emergency Fostering?
Emergency Foster Carers provide immediate care for children who need to be taken into care urgently, often with little notice. This can happen at any time – day or night – and typically lasts up to 72 hours, though in some cases it may be longer. Children placed in emergency foster care can be of any age, from new-borns to teenagers up to 18 years old.
Can I be an Emergency Foster Carer?
To become an Emergency Foster Carer you will need to meet the legal minimum requirements for fostering.
You will need to:
- Have at least one spare bedroom
- Have a fixed permanent residence in the UK
- Have experience of looking after children, particularly in challenging and demanding environments
- Be able to drive and have access to a car
- If you are a smoker (including e-cigarettes and vaping) you will only be able to care for children aged 5 and over
You will also need to be able to demonstrate the following qualities:
- An active lifestyle
- Creative thinking
- Resilience and determination
- Commitment to achieving good outcomes for children and young people
- Be committed to training and developing your skills
Our offer to you
Alongside a generous financial allowance and annual leave package, we’re proud to provide a comprehensive training and support programme designed to empower and guide you every step of the way, including:
- A dedicated and experienced Senior Practitioner to guide and support you
- 24/7 telephone support whenever you need it
- Regular supervision to reflect, grow, and stay supported
- Access to our Emergency Foster Carer Support Group
- Specialist help through TESS (Therapeutic Emotional Support Services)
- Your own Emergency Carers Buddy Group for peer-to-peer connection
- Extensive training across a wide range of subjects to build your confidence and skills
