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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Although we need carers for children of all ages, the biggest area of need is for carers who can foster teenagers.
Therapeutic foster care comprises a team of expert foster carers who provide placements for children with highly complex needs.
