Short-term fostering is temporary care for a child, siblings or young person while we work to reunite them with family or plans are made for their future.
The length of these arrangements can vary significantly depending on the individual circumstances of the child, from an emergency overnight stay, a few days, weeks or months, or as long as up to two years. Occasionally, short-term arrangements may lead to long-term care if that is right for the child and the carer.
This care is often needed because their families are unable to look after them during a particular time due to illness or concerns at home.
In comparison with other types of care, short-term foster carers often have more contact with a child’s birth family while assessments take place or decisions on their future are made. They may support a child as they return home, or as they move on into long-term foster care or to new adoptive families.
This type of care is one option that could enable carers to consider fostering around your existing home and work commitments.
