What are the different types
of fostering?
There are many different types of fostering, and it’s important you understand the differences before deciding which is for you!
Respite or Short Break
This is where you look after a child for a defined short period of time, usually between 1 night and 2 weeks.
It is often used to allow a child’s full time foster carer a bit of space to rejuvenate.
Emergency fostering
Carers sometimes only take children in emergencies, who need to be placed immediately. Generally these placements will be used to keep a child safe, whilst the local authority looks for a more suitable match.
Short term fostering
This type of fostering is used to give a home to a child whilst a long term plan is put in place. This might be working the with birth family to facilitate a return, or whilst an adopter is found. Generally these placements last less than 2 years.
Long term fostering/permanent
Carers will often make a long term commitment to a child, which will mean they will stay with them until 18 (and beyond). It’s still called fostering rather than adoption, as often this allows a support package to be kept in place.
Parent and child placements
Rather than coming into care, sometimes we are asked to find homes for both a parent and a child, this is often where the parent is quite young, and needs guidance and support in looking after their child. As a parent and child foster carer, you can make a real difference to a young parent.
Remand placements
This type of placement is instead of a child being remanded in custody. Generally only very experienced carers will take them, and they will be very closely supported.
Fostering to adopt
You can be approved to adopt alongside your fostering assessment – this is when you know you want to make a commitment to look after a child for it’s lifetime.
It might surprise you to learn that someone carers are paid as much as £100 less to foster with other agencies, this is because GLF believes that as you the carer is the one doing the hard work, you need to be well compensated. We couldn’t do this without you, so we want to make sure you know this.
Our fostering payment is a weekly amount of money, which includes the costs for caring for a child, as well as a reward element. We avoid making one off payments for things like birthdays, as we think it’s simpler and more straight forward to give you a fixed weekly fee.
GLF carers currently receive the following amounts:
- £425 To care for a child 0-10
- £450 To care for a child aged 11+
- £550-1600 for more enhanced children, who’s needs are significantly higher or more complex.
I know other non GLF carers are shocked at how much more I get to foster, to basically do the same as them. Some have even transferred as a result.
You probably have a lot of questions about fostering.
Luckily we have a lot of experience, so can usually answer them honestly. We are really happy to have an informal chat with you, about fostering, whether you are suitable, and what it’s really like. So why not arrange a 15 minute call – we promise you it will save you several hours of searching the internet for answers, plus, we really love talking to people about fostering.
