Types of Fostering
There are many ways to foster. Discover the different types and find the right fit for your lifestyle, skills, and family situation.
Every child in care has unique needs, which is why fostering comes in many forms. Some carers specialise in one type, while others offer multiple types of care. The right choice depends on your circumstances, experience, and what you want to offer.
All Types of Fostering
Explore each type to understand what's involved and who it might suit.
Short-Term Fostering
Providing temporary care while a child's future is being decided. This could be days, weeks, or months.
Best suited for:
Long-Term Fostering
A permanent family placement where a child lives with you until they're ready for independence, often into adulthood.
Best suited for:
Emergency Fostering
Immediate, short-notice placements when children need to leave their home urgently, often at unsociable hours.
Best suited for:
Respite Fostering
Providing short breaks for other foster families or birth families who need temporary support.
Best suited for:
Parent & Child Fostering
Supporting a parent (often young mums) alongside their baby to develop parenting skills in a safe environment.
Best suited for:
Specialist/Therapeutic Fostering
Supporting children with complex needs, trauma histories, or challenging behaviours with enhanced support.
Best suited for:
Sibling Group Fostering
Keeping brothers and sisters together by fostering two or more children from the same family.
Best suited for:
Staying Put
Allowing young people to remain with their foster family after turning 18 while they transition to independence.
Best suited for:
How to Choose
There's no "wrong" choice when it comes to fostering types. The best fit depends on:
- Your daily schedule and work commitments
- The space you have in your home
- Your previous experience with children
- Your patience and emotional resilience
- Whether you have your own children
- Your support network and backup plans
Many foster carers start with one type and evolve as they gain experience. Your fostering agency will help you identify the best fit during the assessment process.
Ready to Explore Fostering?
Connect with fostering agencies that specialise in the type of care you're interested in. Many offer all types, so you can discuss options with them directly.