Short-term foster care

Not everyone is able to foster full-time. If you could spare one weekend a month, you could become a short-term foster carer and help to change a child's story.

What is short-term foster care?

Short-term is a flexible, low commitment way to provide valuable care to a vulnerable child. Short-term care can be as little as one weekend per month, or as long as a whole month. The duration of the care will depend on your availability, and the needs of the child.

What are the different types of short-term foster care?

Short-term care falls into three main types:

• Emergency care  – Emergency carers care for children and young people temporarily, and at short notice, in response to a safety concern. This is often because they are at immediate risk and there is a need for them to be in a safe and secure environment. Due to the nature of the care, carers receive short notice of the child’s arrival, often within 72 hours, and sometimes within only a few hours. The child’s or young person’s safety is always paramount, so carers need to be adaptable as there is often no time for formal planning and thorough introductions.
• Respite care - Respite care involves providing temporary care for a child or young person already in full-time foster care, aimed at giving their primary caregiver a necessary break to attend to personal needs. Respite foster care is a pivotal support mechanism that benefits both caregivers and children, promoting stability and high-quality care within the foster care community.
• Short break care - Short Break Care is a specialist service for children with disabilities. They could have a learning disability, a physical or sensory disability, significant health care needs or a combination of these. Most are cared for on a respite basis for short periods of time, such as one weekend per month and one evening per week. The aim of this service is to broaden the social lives and experience of these young people.

Who can provide short-term foster care?

To become a short-term foster carer, you will need to be over 21, and have a spare room in your home.

For full requirements of becoming a foster carer, click here.

What if I don't have a spare room?

If you don't have a spare room, there are still ways you can make a difference. Link Carers and Route 1 Advocates support vulnerable young people in care on a short-term basis by being a reliable and supportive companion.

Ready to talk?

Our team are on hand to answer any questions you may have. To speak with one of our team, click here, or alternatively give us a call on 0800 587 9900.