Types of foster placements

Children often come into care for a variety of reasons.

To accommodate this, there are different types of foster placements available, depending on circumstances.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the different types of foster placements that you, as a potential foster carer, should be aware of. You may choose to either specialise in a specific type, or be open to all options.

Short term

This can last from a few days to a few months, and usually takes place while the authorities consider alternative long-term options for the child concerned.

At the end of the period, the child will either return to their family of origin, enter a long term foster placement or be adopted.

Long term

This refers to children and young people staying with foster carers until they turn 18, if they cannot go back to their birth families.

However, they will still be able to maintain contact with their families if they wish. Some stay with their foster parents until they turn 21, which is known as ‘staying put’.

Parent and child

Fostering is available for parents with very young children or a newborn, where the foster carer helps them with parenting and raising the child. It gives the parent a foundation in caring for their child, in the form of advice from the carer and the support network of healthcare professionals and social workers.

Unaccompanied asylums seekers

Many children who come from overseas arrive unaccompanied, having fled war. They often speak little English and therefore require additional needs.

These challenges, combined with meetings on their legal status in the UK, call for greater support from their foster carers.

Here at Beacon Fostering, we’re here to help with any questions you may have.