If you have ever thought about fostering a child as your life’s mission but have not explored it further, you are bound to have many questions. It can be hard to picture what fostering is all about from the outside. In this article, we will outline the different types of foster care so that you can get a better ideaof what is involved.
Are You Eligible to Foster?
Your first question is likely to be whether you will be considered suitable as a foster carer. Children in care have generally come from a traumatic background. This could have included physical, emotional, and/or mental abuse and/or neglect. The child will need special care. But you need not worry that you will not be up to this as all the training you require is provided before you are ready for your first placement.
There are certain standard criteria for people looking to adopt. For example, you must be over 21 years of age and have a spare bedroom for the foster child’s exclusive use. However, you will be thoroughly vetted to see that you meet all the other requirements as well. It all starts with putting in an application.
If you meet the minimum requirements of age and a spare room, we take a look at the types of foster care that exist.Note that the same application process must be followed for all types of fostering.
Short Term Foster Care
Short term foster care is usually for a period of a few weeks to a few months. During this time, the child has access to loving foster carers while a long-term plan is being devised. The child may continue to stay with you as a long-term foster child or be moved to another, more suitable long-term carer.
Long Term Foster Care
Long-term foster care usually lasts for years, typically until the foster child is an independent adult. These children cannot be returned to their birth parents at all. For various reasons, the child is not up for adoption.
In the case of kinship care, the child is known to you. You could be a relative, such as a grandparent or a family friend who is concerned about the child’s wellbeing and willing to offer them a home. You need to speak to your local council to set the process in motion.
Emergency Foster Care
Emergency foster care is very much a short-term placement. The child may need to be housed urgently. This is generally for one to several nights. As a vetted foster carer, you may have short notice before being called on for emergency care.
Foster Children on Remand
The child has been remanded by the courts. These children require extra special care. You will only be considered for remand care if you have received the appropriate training from your agency, such as thefca.co.uk.
Specialist Therapeutic
These foster children have complex needs. They require care by someone with special training. Only foster carers with a lot of experience are allowed to care for these children.
If you feel that you have the right temperament and love for children in need, consider putting in an application.
