Types of fostering

Being a foster carer is a huge commitment but there are many types of foster care and you can find one that works best for you.

This could last for many years and into adulthood.

Action for Children Fostering will be with you all the way, supporting you emotionally, financially and with regular training. We offer 24/7, year-round support with a dedicated, qualified social worker.

This could last for days, weeks or months.

We will support you with all the training you need and will put you in touch with other foster carers with a view to forming relationships and gaining access to the “experts". Some foster carers specialise in short term fostering only.

As the name suggests, emergency care could be needed at any time of the day or night.

It is usually for a short period of time, until a permanent home is found or until the young person can safely return to their family home.

Typically lasting around three months, this type of fostering involves safeguarding and supporting babies and young children to help their parents develop parenting skills.

The parent(s), who can be teenagers or adults ranging from 18 to 40+, live with you during this time, and care for the child under your observation and with your help.

Planned breaks' carers play a vital role in supporting full-time foster carers and young people.

Providing cover during holidays and weekends gives full-time carers the chance to recharge their batteries and enables children to have new experiences. It would involve you looking after a child or young person for a few days, usually on a regular basis.

We have carers who provide a Short Breaks service to children and young people with disabilities.

This service aims to offer a safe, positive home-from-home experience to children and young people in which they can try new activities, develop their independence skills and have fun in another family environment.

This can be for a short term emergency or a long term home.

Our foster carers provide the security and safety of a loving home to children and young people who are waiting for an asylum application decision.