When a child comes into care and their long-term future is uncertain, they will be fostered short-term until decisions can be made and agreed on.
This can last for a few days to several months, or even a couple of years.
Short-term foster carers provide security and stability at a critical time.
Long-term or permanent fostering
If children can’t return to live with their birth family, they may be placed with a foster family who will care for them until they are ready to live independently.
This provides them with the stability and consistency that will help them to thrive and reach their full potential.
Fostering unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC)
This type of fostering involves providing a safe and supportive home for children who have arrived in the UK without a parent or guardian.
These children have often fled their home countries due to conflict, natural disasters, persecution and other forms of violence. They may speak little or no English initially.
This role helps support a child or young person learn the skills required to successfully build a life in the UK.
Emergency fostering
When children need to be looked after in an emergency, they need a place of safety for a brief time.
Emergency foster carers will care for children until they are able to return home or move to other foster carers, usually within a few days.