Long term fostering offers children a permanent, supportive home when returning to their birth family is not an option. It allows children to grow up in a stable family environment, often over several years, with consistent care and the opportunity to build lasting relationships. Long term carers play a vital role in helping children feel secure, achieve their potential, and plan for adulthood.

Short term foster care provides children with a safe, stable and nurturing environment for a few days, weeks, or months while longer-term plans are made. This type of care is often needed during times of uncertainty, such as court proceedings or while social workers explore the best permanent solution for the child, whether that’s returning home, moving to long-term foster care, or adoption.

Emergency foster care is needed when a child must be placed in a safe home with very little notice, often due to a crisis or sudden family breakdown. These placements are usually short—often overnight or for a few days—but require carers who can respond quickly, provide reassurance, and offer a calm, secure environment during a stressful time.

Respite care provides short-term placements to give full-time foster carers, birth families, or children themselves a break. It might be for a weekend, a week, or during school holidays. This type of care helps support placement stability and wellbeing, and is especially helpful for children with additional needs or complex behaviours.

Parent and child placements offer a unique opportunity to support a parent and their baby or young child in a safe, supervised setting. The foster carer provides guidance, encouragement, and practical support to help the parent develop the skills and confidence needed to care for their child, while also assisting professionals in assessing the family’s needs.