Placement Types
Every child is unique, and so is every home. Explore the different ways you can provide care and how we ensure a perfect match.
Ways You Can Care
Different fostering types require different levels of commitment. We'll help you find the one that fits your life and skills.
Short-Term
Providing stability while long-term plans are finalized. This can last from a few days to several months.
Long-Term
Children become a permanent part of your family until they reach adulthood and independence.
Emergency
Immediate care for children who need a safe place within hours, often due to unforeseen circumstances.
Parent & Child
A specialized placement where you support a parent and their infant together to help them stay as a family.
Respite Care
Short-term breaks (usually weekends) to support other foster families or special guardianship carers.
Therapeutic
Care for children with complex emotional or behavioral needs who require specialist support frameworks.
How We Match You
Successful fostering depends on a stable, compatible match. Our rigorous process ensures that both the carer and the child feel comfortable and safe. We consider cultural background, family dynamics, experience level, and the specific needs of each child.
The Matching Journey
From initial assessment to successful placement, here's how we ensure the best possible match.
Needs Assessment
We analyze the child's specific background, health, and education needs.
Carer Profiling
We look at your family's dynamic, experience, and available space.
Matching Panel
Social workers work together to ensure the best cultural and emotional fit.
Introduction
Carefully planned introductions allow you and the child to get to know each other.
Needs Assessment
We analyze the child's specific background, health, and education needs.
Carer Profiling
We look at your family's dynamic, experience, and available space.
Matching Panel
Social workers work together to ensure the best cultural and emotional fit.
Introduction
Carefully planned introductions allow you and the child to get to know each other.
"We started with short-term placements to build our confidence. Now we're providing long-term care for two wonderful children. The matching process was thorough and thoughtful."
Which Placement is Right for You?
Consider these factors when thinking about the type of fostering that suits your family.
Time Commitment
Short-term and respite care offer flexibility, while long-term and therapeutic placements require sustained commitment. Consider your work schedule and family obligations.
Experience Level
Emergency and therapeutic placements often require more experience. If you're new to fostering, short-term or long-term placements might be a better starting point.
Space & Resources
Parent & child placements require additional space. Consider the physical resources you have available and whether you can accommodate specific needs.
Emotional Readiness
All placements require emotional resilience, but therapeutic care demands additional skills in managing complex behaviors and trauma responses.
Ready to Explore Placement Options?
Our team can help you understand which type of fostering best suits your family, experience, and lifestyle.