If you are new to foster care, you might assume there are only one or two options for foster parents. That is not the case. There are so many different types of children with various needs, and there are also different types of foster care options. For those planning on becoming a foster parent, you must learn the various types so that you choose the one that suits you and your lifestyle the most.
Short Term Fostering
A short-term foster agreement sees the foster parents taking care of the child for only a short duration. That could stretch from just a single day to a couple of months. The one defining part is that it is short-term, and that means the foster child won’t permanently stay in their new foster parent’s care. This type works for foster parents who are only able to open their homes for a short period. By fostering in Lincolnshire, you can choose to become a short-term foster parent, which provides stability to children who need it most.
Long Term Fostering
On the other side of the coin is long-term fostering. As you’d expect, this type of fostering is when the child stays in a single foster parent’s care for a long duration – usually until the child turns into an adult or leaves the foster care system. Long-term fostering is a good option for families wanting to provide a permanent home to a child in care.
Emergency Fostering
There are plenty of reasons children go into foster care, some of which require emergency fostering. For example, the sudden death of a loved one or an abusive situation could mean a child needs emergency care. If you are an emergency caregiver, you must be willing to answer a call and welcome a child into your home whether it is night or day.
Fostering an Infant
Fostering a very young child is slightly different from fostering one a little older. It requires more focused care, as babies need feeding, changing, and constant company. You can choose to only foster infants if you meet the requirements.
Family/Kinship Fostering
Family or kinship fostering is different from the usual process, as the caregiver in this situation is either a family member or a family friend. It is often a preferable option, as the child will likely feel far more comfortable in the home of a relative than in the home of a stranger. The arrangement would be carried out between the child, social services, and the chosen relative/family friend.
Remand Fostering
Remand fostering is for children aged between 10 and 17 awaiting a trial. While they are on remand by the courts, the child stays with a foster family, allowing a more settled and stable environment. To become a remand fosterer, you need to meet requirements and take specialized training.
Deciding to become a foster parent is a great decision, but it’s only the first step. By knowing the different types of foster parenting available, you can choose the option that helps you thrive as a caregiver.
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