Types of Fostering
There are many ways to foster a child. Each type plays a vital role, and there is likely one that fits your life.
Short-term Fostering
Short-term fostering is the most common type. You care for a child while social workers and the courts decide on the best permanent plan — whether that is returning home, moving to a long-term placement, or being adopted.
Typical duration: A few weeks to several months
Best suited to: People who can offer a stable home while longer-term plans are made for the child.
Long-term Fostering
Some children cannot return to their birth families and are not suited for adoption. Long-term foster carers provide a permanent, loving home — often until the young person turns 18 or beyond through Staying Put arrangements.
Typical duration: Several years, often until adulthood
Best suited to: Families ready to commit to a child for the long haul, providing stability and permanence.
Emergency Fostering
When a child is removed from a dangerous situation urgently — sometimes in the middle of the night — emergency foster carers step in. This requires flexibility, resilience, and a willingness to provide comfort in a crisis.
Typical duration: A few hours to a few days
Best suited to: People who can respond at short notice and provide immediate safety.
Respite Fostering
Respite carers look after children on a planned, regular basis to give their primary foster carer a break. It is vital for preventing burnout and keeping placements stable. Many people start with respite before moving to full-time fostering.
Typical duration: Weekends, school holidays, or set periods
Best suited to: People who want to foster but cannot commit full-time, or who work and need flexibility.
Parent & Child Fostering
In parent and child placements, a young or vulnerable parent and their baby live with a foster carer. You support the parent in learning parenting skills while the local authority assesses their ability to care for their child independently.
Typical duration: Several weeks to months
Best suited to: Patient, experienced carers who can support a parent while ensuring the child is safe.
Sibling Group Fostering
Keeping siblings together is a priority for social workers. Sibling group foster carers prevent brothers and sisters from being separated, which can reduce trauma and improve outcomes for the children.
Typical duration: Varies — short or long-term
Best suited to: Families with enough space and energy to care for more than one child from the same family.