Short-term fostering means giving a child or young person a safe, secure, nurturing, and loving home to live in until they can return to their own family.

The aim of short-term fostering will always be to get the child to return home with their birth family or other family members. Consequently, children will have regular contact with their birth parent and, as a short-term foster carer, you will often be asked to transport the child to a venue where they can see their family.

These visits will be supervised by the child’s social worker. Building positive working relationships with the child’s family is a key part of the fostering role.

How long is short-term fostering?

Short-term fostering can last weeks, months, or up to 2 years. It can be an extremely rewarding opportunity to offer a child stability during a traumatic time in their life.

If it becomes clear that the child cannot return to their own family then a more permanent arrangement will need to be found - this may be a long-term foster placement or possibly an adoptive parent.

Sometimes children stay with their short-term foster families for longer if it’s decided that is best for the child and this is something the foster cares feel they would like to offer.

This is referred to as long-term fostering or permanent fostering.

Short-term fostering plays a pivotal role in shaping the lives of vulnerable children, ensuring their well-being and development while their birth families work towards resolving their issues.

As such, it can be a hugely rewarding experience for foster-carers.

If you can provide a stable and nurturing environment for a child, accepting that the arrangement will not be permanent, and feel able to provide stability during a critical, transitional phase then short-term fostering may be right for you.

Footprints will support you every step of the way with personalised 24/7 support, excellent financial rewards and an unparalleled knowledge of local resources and services. Contact us to find out more.