Types of Foster Care

Foster carers come from all age groups and backgrounds, living in all kinds of homes. They may be retired, working, married, single or unemployed and may or may not have children of their own. What they have in common is that they want to make a difference to a child's life. There are many different types of foster care, some of which may suit your circumstances better than others, and we'll help you find the one for you. As you progress through the various stages of becoming an approved foster carer, we'll discuss all the options in more detail, but the following will give you some idea of the types of care we offer:

• Short or Medium Term Care
• Longer Term Care
• Disabled Children
• Shared Care
• Brothers and Sisters
• Mother and Baby
• Level 3 Carers
• Supported Lodgings Scheme

Short or MediumTerm Care

There are numerous reasons why a child might require a short-term placement. There may have been an incident or abuse, perhaps there has been a breakdown in a relationship and the children are at risk, or there might have been an illness or accident that results in children needing care. And while the child is in short-term care, the social work team will be working hard to resolve whatever issues the family may have and seek to return the child home as soon as possible.

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Longer Term Care

Children come into care for a number of reasons and sometimes it's not possible for them to return to their natural families, which may mean that they need to be in a foster placement throughout their childhood. Foster carers will need to provide a stable and loving home in which the children can develop and fulfil their potential. Some of these children still maintain some limited contact with their families.

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Disabled Children

Some children in need of foster care have physical or learning disabilities, sensory impairment or other special needs. They may have medical problems because of their parent's abuse of alcohol or drugs. This type of care can often involve working closely with other support services such as medical or therapeutic services.

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Shared Care

Shared Care, or part-time care, means providing care to children with disabilities on a part-time basis, in partnership with their families.

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Brothers and Sisters

It is important that we keep sibling groups together, especially when there is disruption and trauma in their lives. Some of our carers specialise in providing safe and secure environments for groups of brothers and/or sisters.

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Mother and Baby

At times it may be necessary to provide extra support and security to new mums and their babies, particularly teenage Mums. They need people who can teach and encourage them without actually taking over their responsibilities as mothers.

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Level 3 Carers

We also run a fee paid scheme for carers who provide a home to severely damaged children and young people - some may have been in trouble with the police, take drugs and generally require a higher level of supervision and support.

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Supported Lodgings Scheme

The Supported Lodgings Scheme is aimed at helping young people over sixteen who cannot live with their own families to develop practical skills in a nurturing environment. This will eventually help them to live independently in their own accommodation. We want to recruit adults who can provide the support and commitment that will help young people to make the transition to independence.

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