We meet many people who would love to foster children and young people but some worry they can’t do it full-time. This may be because of their career, lifestyle, or other commitments that make full-time fostering difficult.
The great thing about fostering placements is that they are designed to meet the needs of both the foster carer and the young person. There are several types of foster care, giving you plenty of choice to find the arrangement that feels right for you.
What is respite fostering care?
Alongside long term, short term and emergency placements, there is respite care. Respite care is largely short term foster placements ranging from a weekend, school holidays or sometimes a few weeks. It is not like full time carers. The main aim of respite care is to provide support and stability to a child that is currently placed with a foster family.
The main purpose of respite care is to give foster families, foster children or birth parents a short break to rest and recharge. Sometimes respite is also needed when a child cannot be included in a foster family’s travel plans.
Is Respite Care Right for Me?
You may want to foster but find that your current circumstances make full-time fostering difficult. Or you might be new to fostering and prefer to build your confidence through short-term placements before committing to something longer. In these cases, becoming a respite carer could be the perfect option.
As an independent agency, we recognise the need for stability to support a child’s long-term development. At the same time, we know how important it is for carers and parents to have a support network that allows them to rest and maintain the quality of care they give. Respite fostering gives you the chance to enrich the lives of children and young people on a short-term basis while supporting families who need time to recharge.
How Respite Fostering Works
Respite fostering provides short-term care for children and young people. Placements are typically planned ahead and may last a weekend, part of a school holiday or a few weeks. You’ll receive information about the child’s routine, preferences and any specific needs before the placement begins.
After the respite period, the child transitions back to their usual carers. Throughout the process, the Ascent Fostering team offers ongoing guidance and works closely with you to ensure each placement is positive and successful.
How do I become a respite foster carer?
To become a respite foster carer, the same fostering requirements still apply – must have a spare bedroom, be over 21 and have some financial stability.
If you’re interested in respite care, or any other type of fostering, it’s definitely time to start your life-changing journey as a foster carer. Get in touch with us for an informal chat to learn more.