What is short term fostering?
You may have heard terms such as short term or long term fostering and wondered what they actually mean.
Short term fostering
In reality, short term fostering isn’t always easy to define. Placements described as short term can last anything from a single night to several years.
The term is generally used to describe fostering arrangements where there is not yet a confirmed long-term plan for the child. Decisions about the child’s future may still be ongoing while professionals work with their family or the courts consider what the best long-term arrangement will be.
People often ask whether they can “just do short term fostering”. The answer is yes. Fostering doesn’t necessarily mean making a commitment for many years, and many carers choose to offer short term placements.
However, it’s important to understand that plans can change. A child might come to stay for what is expected to be a few nights or weeks, but sometimes placements last much longer because it becomes clear that remaining in that home is the best option for the child.
Flexibility is often part of fostering, and carers are always supported as plans for a child develop.
Support you'll receive from us
- 24/7 support from your supervising social worker
- £507.50 a week in fostering allowance and fees to foster
- Intensive training program to help you be the best you can be
Where are we recruiting?
We need new baby carers across all of Southern England. Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Isle Of Wight, Surrey, London, Berkshire, Wiltshire.
short-term-fostering
How Short Term Fostering Can Help a Child
Short term fostering can play a very important role in a child’s life, even if the placement only lasts for a short period of time.
When children come into care, it is often because something has happened at home which means they cannot safely stay with their family at that moment. A short term foster placement gives everyone a little breathing space. It allows the child to stay somewhere safe and stable while the local authority works with the birth family to understand what has happened and what needs to change.
During this time, social workers might support the parents with practical help, parenting work, or other services designed to improve the situation at home. Sometimes families need support around things like housing, health, relationships, or managing the pressures of daily life. Having a child in a safe foster placement allows this work to take place without the immediate pressure of the situation continuing.
For the child, a short term foster home can provide calm, routine and reassurance at what is often a confusing time. Even a few weeks in a stable and supportive environment can help a child feel safe again, settle into school, and begin to relax after a difficult period.
In many cases, the goal of this work is to help the child safely return home to their family once the situation has improved. Short term foster carers therefore play a vital role in supporting that process, providing care and stability while important decisions and support plans are put in place.
Although the placement may be temporary, the impact a foster carer can have during this time can be incredibly important for both the child and their family.
Do you want to know more?
We’re only able to cover a fraction of how we support our carers with their learning and development. If you’ve like to know more, and perhaps try some of our trainings, take one of the next steps.
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to contact us and ask us any questions, so you can either use the online chat button to start a chat – whatsapp us a question, or call us on 023 8235 2020
Next Steps
Depending on where you are in your fostering journey, we have a few suggested next steps.
Download Our Guide To Fostering
Arrange for a call back
Ask us a question via whatsapp
We keep your person information safe, and only use it to contact you in the way you’ve asked us to.
Hi, I’m Sally, the Registered Manager at South Coast Fostering. My job is to make sure our carers feel supported and that the children placed with us have the best possible opportunities to thrive.
I’ve worked in fostering as a social worker for many years, and before that I was actually a foster carer myself. That means I really do understand what it feels like when you’re first thinking about fostering and wondering whether it might be right for you. I still remember how difficult it felt making that very first call to ask about fostering. Taking that first step can feel daunting. But I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and fostering has genuinely changed my life.
If you’re just starting to think about fostering, you’re exactly where many of our carers once were. The first step might feel like the hardest, but you won’t be taking it alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does short term fostering mean?
Short term fostering usually refers to placements where the long-term plan for the child has not yet been decided. The child may stay with a foster carer temporarily while decisions are made about their future.
How long does short term fostering last?
Short term placements can vary greatly. Some may last only a few days or weeks, while others can continue for several months or even years depending on how long it takes for long-term plans to be made.
Can a short term foster placement become long term?
Yes, this sometimes happens. A placement that begins as short term may become longer if it turns out to be the most stable and suitable home for the child.
Can I choose to only do short term fostering?
Yes, many foster carers choose to offer short term placements. Fostering services will discuss your preferences and try to match you with placements that suit your circumstances.
Why do children need short term foster care?
Children may need short term foster care while professionals assess family circumstances, while court decisions are made, or while longer-term arrangements such as reunification or adoption are being planned.
book a call about fostering:
We’d be happy to give you a 15-20 minute call to tell you about fostering. Don’t worry, there’s no pressure from us – it’s honestly a chance for you to ask us any questions you have about fostering, and your suitability. Just complete this short form
Why do you foster with South Coast Fostering?
We asked our foster carer Roberto why he fosters with us.
“I’d honestly say it’s because SCF feels like a family. I know that Sally and the team are always there to support me, and more than that, respect me as a part of the team.
I’ve had the chance to meet carers who foster for other agencies and I don’t think I’ve met anyone who is as happy as I am.
Even the little things matter, like if I have a question about finance, I know who to call, and I know they will take the time to look into my question”