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What is Fostering?

Fostering is caring for a child, children or young person/s in your home where they can feel valued, cared for and respected as a family member, doing the things you do as a family together like going on days out, holidays and everyday family life activities.

There are many reasons that lead to children and young people needing a foster home such as illness within the family, relationship problems, family breakdown, alcohol and/or drug issues or when a child or young person is being abused. Foster carers play a vital role in providing a safe, secure and stable environment.

The length of time that children and young people are looked after by a foster family can vary from days to years depending on their individual circumstances. The decision is made by the Local Authority and forms part of the child or young person’s Care Plan.

Types of Fostering Arrangements

Fostering arrangements fall in to the categories as shown below. The assessment process will help you to consider which types of fostering would best suit your household.

Short Breaks Care

Where children live with their own family or foster carers, but have short stays with another foster carer to give their family/main foster carers a break.

Emergency Fostering Arrangements

Children who need a safe place to stay for a few nights generally at very short notice.

Short Term Fostering Arrangements

Where foster carers provide a temporary place to stay until the child can return home to their own family, move into a longer-term fostering arrangement or adoptive family.

Sibling Groups

Brother(s) and/or sisters(s) are known as sibling groups. Often when siblings are placed in foster care it can become a challenge for Local Authority to keep them together. At Fostering Options we understand that it is important to keep the children together due to their supportive network, shared experiences, and bond.

Unaccompanied Minors

Young people who have left their country of origin with no parents or guardian in England.

Long Term or Permanent

Where foster carers commit to care for children until they are eighteen (and beyond).These type of fostering arrangements are usually planned over a period of time.

Parent and Child Arrangements

Time-limited arrangements for families who need additional support together.

Children with Disabilities

Children who need increased support and care.

Sarah - Fostering Options

" As an existing foster carer, it is important that you work with a company that is able to fully support both the children and foster carers. A lot of carers from Local Authorities and other Agencies come to us and feel that there could be more done for themselves and the looked after children. "

Fostering FAQ

If you have any questions regarding fostering or what Fostering Options offer in terms of fostering arrangements, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Do I need any qualifications?

Nope! You don’t need any special qualifications, just some experience with children and the passion to make a difference in a young person’s life.

What kind of children need fostering?

All sorts! From babies to teens, even young parents with their own child. Every child is different, but they all need love, safety, and support.

Can I chose the age of the child I foster?

We’ll work with you to make sure any child placed with you fits well with your family, especially if you have children of your own.

Can I still work and be a foster carer?

Yes, lots of our carers do! It depends on your job, but we’ll chat about how fostering could fit around your working hours.

What if I don’t know what to do in a tricky situation?

You’ll never be left on your own. You’ll have a social worker to support you, plus access to a 24/7 support line, every day of the year.

What’s the fostering assessment like?

It’s a chance for us to get to know each other. An assessor will visit you a few times and write a report about your life and home. We also do background checks, but don’t worry — we’ll guide you through the whole process.

Will I get to meet other foster carers?

Definitely. We run support groups, events, and training where you can chat and share experiences. You can even be matched with a peer mentor.

What happens if a placement doesn’t work out?

We get it, sometimes things don’t go to plan. If that happens, we’ll support you and the child to make any changes as smoothly as possible.

Will I have a say in who comes to live with me?

Yes, you’ll never be forced to say yes to supporting a child or young person. We’ll always talk to you first and give you all the info before any decision is made.