Fostering is a very different experience to adoption, but one that is equally as important in a child’s life.
Short Term Fostering
Sometimes a child will be placed under foster care for a short period of time only, before returning to their own families. This may be necessary whilst the local authority makes a plan or whilst issues within the own child’s family are resolved. The foster period is a transition period for the child. In which the carer will play a crucial role in preparing them for the future.
Short-term care may be for a period of days or weeks. There are several reasons why a child may require temporary fostering. There may have been the sudden death of a parent, signs of abuse or ongoing court proceedings. These periods are hugely unsettling for a child. They may be feeling lost, uncertain or sad about their future. Even during a short period of time, there is the potential for carers to make a huge impact upon a child’s life, with safely, security and love.
Foster carers need the necessary skills and emotional resilience to be able to navigate a child safely through potentially turbulent times. An ideal foster carer is someone who can create strong, meaningful and caring bonds fast. Who is able to build up trust and an emotional safety net for the child quickly. Children in foster care can be from all walks of life, so there is a need for a carer who can accommodate and respect diversity.
Long-Term Fostering
Long-term fostering is often seen as a stable and lasting arrangement. In most cases, the child will not return to their birth family, although some contact may still take place. Children in long-term care usually stay with the same foster carer for at least two years, and often until they turn 18 and move into adulthood.
As a long-term foster carer, you take on many of the same responsibilities as a parent. You support the child’s education, health, and daily life, while helping them feel safe and settled. You may also support agreed contact with their birth family.
It is important to think carefully about how long-term fostering will fit into your life. This includes your home, your career, and your family. It is a long-term commitment that involves building trust, offering stability, and supporting a child over time.
Our friendly team is here to guide you at every stage. We offer clear advice, ongoing support, and access to a strong network of professionals. We will help you decide if long-term fostering is the right choice for your home and lifestyle.
If you would like to find out more about fostering with Ascent call us on 020 757 0070 or click here to arrange a call back.