Emergency foster care
What is emergency fostering?
Emergency fostering refers to the placement of children who are at an immediate risk into temporary foster care arrangements on very short notice, frequently with just a few hours’ advance warning.
The primary concern in such situations is the safety of the child, which means that there is often insufficient time for formal introductions prior to the placement. It is common for foster carers to encounter the role of an emergency foster parent during their fostering journey.
Why would children need emergency foster care?
When a child’s living environment presents an urgent risk to their safety or well-being, we diligently strive to promptly place them with a suitable family that can offer the necessary support and comfort during this challenging and distressing period. Children may require emergency foster care unexpectedly in situations such as:
- Exposure to violence within the home, placing them at risk
- A significant incident occurring at the residence, such as a fire
- The family facing eviction, leaving the child without a place to stay
- Law enforcement involvement at the home
- The sudden illness or death of a parent or guardian.
How long do emergency foster care placements last?
Emergency foster care placements typically last for one or two nights, during which social workers evaluate the child’s family circumstances. If deemed suitable, they will seek out family members who might be able to care for the child until the situation is resolved.
In certain cases, an emergency placement may be prolonged for several weeks or even months, potentially evolving into a longer-term arrangement if necessary.
How to become an emergency foster care parent
Contact us and you’ll receive a call back from a member of our fostering recruitment team!