Types of Foster Care

There are many different types of foster care, each designed to meet the needs of children and young people who cannot live with their birth families. This may be due to a family crisis, safeguarding concerns, or situations where it’s not safe for a child to remain at home. Foster carers provide a safe, stable environment during these challenging times.

During your fostering assessment, your supervising social worker will discuss the types of children you feel comfortable caring for and recommend the most suitable type of foster care for you.

Mainstream Fostering

Mainstream fostering usually falls into two categories:

Short-Term Fostering

Short-term fostering provides temporary care while social workers complete assessments and make plans for a child’s future. This could mean returning to their birth family or moving to a permanent placement through adoption or long-term fostering. As a short-term foster carer, you may care for several different children over time.

Long-Term Fostering

Some children cannot return to their birth families and need a long-term foster home. Many of these children are aged 8 and above and may need to stay with siblings. Long-term fostering means supporting a child into young adulthood, including helping them maintain contact with their birth family.

Sometimes young people remain with their foster carers after turning 18. This arrangement, known as Staying Put, helps them transition into independence with continued support.