Different Types of Fostering

• Some Foster Carers look after children for specific short periods of time. This can be for families and other Foster Carers if they have to go away or need a break. This is called Respite fostering.

• Some choose to foster a child until they are able to live independently. This type of fostering is called Long term which means the Carer has made a permanent commitment to the child.

• In most cases it is not clear how long the child or young person may stay with you as this is different in each circumstance. This is called Short term fostering and is suitable for people who enjoy changes.

• More specialist foster care can be Mother & baby Placements, a teenage mum and her baby. In these cases the Foster Carer supports the teenage mum and baby to stay together.

• Some children may have a disability or learning disability. This type of fostering is known as caring for Special needs.

• Fostering has become more diverse and the need to foster refugee children has increased. This type of fostering is known as fostering Unaccompanied minors who have come to the UK to seek asylum.