What is fostering?

Fostering is a way of providing a stable family life for children and young people, who are unable to live with their parents at a point in time. This allows children the chance to thrive in a safe, secure, loving and caring home environment with foster carers. The children and young people placed with foster carers are from a diverse range of backgrounds and will display different behaviour depending upon their various experiences.

What is respite care?

Respite care is short term care; this is where the child or young person will stay with the respite foster carer for a short period of time. Respite care is used to support other foster carers of family members for short term breaks. For example, depending on the given situation and the child or young person’s needs may depend on the respite period. For example, it could be for one night, a weekend or slightly longer. Respite fostering may be needed in various different circumstances; for example, if the current foster carer is going on holiday or has family commitments.

What are the benefits of respite fostering?

Respite fostering provides the support for family members or long term foster carers. Respite carers can provide support for the child or young person’s in care and help them develop on a short term basis. Respite carers give the chance to enhance and change both foster cares/family members and the child or young person’s life.

Who can become a respite carer?

Like all requirements to become a foster carer, it is important that respite carers have the time, energy and patience. Children and young people who come into care may have previously experienced great trauma. Therefore, carers need to be sensitive and compassionate. In addition, respite carers also need to be flexible and committed.

How do I apply to become a respite carer?

If you are interested in becoming a respite carer or would like to know more information, why not give us a call on 02087990930. A member of our team would love to speak to you and answer all your fostering questions.