There are many different types of foster care, but there are infinite possibilities of why the children in question ended up in the foster system even amongst these types. When you become a foster parent, you need to always customize your approach to give the child in your care the best possible support.
Being a foster parent in Birmingham can completely change a child’s future and for the better, but understanding the type of fostering agreement and needs the child has is key.
Short Term Fostering
Short-term fostering is one of the most common types of situations for foster parents, and it works to provide children with a safe environment while their parent is in hospital, getting back up on their feet, serving out their prison sentence, and so on. Short-term can mean anything from a week to a few years.
Long Term Fostering
Long-term fostering is for children who don’t have a home to go back to. These children need a stable, loving home that they can remain in until adulthood. Though that is where the end of your term as a foster parent exists, all foster children in this situation need a lifelong relationship with you.
Emergency Fostering
Emergency fostering is for those who are in urgent need of a secure home, and typically only for a short period of time. You need to be ready to take on children with minimal notice.
Respite Fostering
Respite fostering is a way for the child’s parents or main foster family to have a short respite. For example, if an emergency needs to be handled (medical, law, etc) and means the child in question cannot be properly cared for at home, they would be placed in respite fostering for a few days.
Parent and Child Fostering
Young parents who are not on their feet may go into parent and child fostering, where a foster family will take in both. This is primarily for teen parents who need parenting themselves, and help to be a parent themselves.
Step-Down Fostering
When young people transition from a residential care facility to a family home, they are often first placed in step-down fostering. These are short-term placements that help the transition go more smoothly.
Sibling Fostering
In nearly every circumstance, it is best to keep siblings together. Fostering siblings can occur in short term, long term, emergency, respite, and even step-down fostering situations.
Fostering Disabled Children
Foster placements for disabled children typically last a few hours to a whole weekend. These children need advanced care and an in-depth understanding of their needs. They may have a physical, learning, or sensory disabilities. In many cases, this type of fostering is a type of respite fostering designed to give carers extra support.
Fostering Sanctuary-Seeking Children
Sanctuary-seeking children who an adult does not accompany require specialist care and support in the foster system, as not only are they in need of a guardian, they will also be applying for refugee status.
