Respite Foster Care
Respite foster parents care for a child on a very short term basis; anything from a couple of days to a couple of weeks.
What is respite fostering?
Respite foster care is crucial for providing a necessary break to other foster parents or birth families who require extra support. As a respite foster carer, you allow a family to benefit from a well-earned rest by caring for their foster children on a very short term basis.
A respite placement will usually last for short periods from a couple of days up to a week - and often takes places at the weekends or during school holidays. Sometimes a plan may be in place for regular ongoing respite, where you care for a the same child every few weeks.
Respite fostering is always planned with the foster child's best interests, and we will work with you and the local authority to make the most appropriate arrangements for everyone.
Benefits of respite fostering
There are many benefits that respite foster care can offer;
- Providing support for foster families who are experiencing high levels of stress and therefore who need a short break.
- Every foster parent is different and has different skill sets and qualities. By introducing respite foster parents into a child or young person's life it gives the chance for new experiences on a short term basis.
- Enabling foster parents the opportunity to recharge.
Respite fostering payments
We pay our respite foster parents a generous fostering allowance. The fostering payments are designed to reward a foster parent for their hard work but also enable you to fully provide for the child in your care - such as food, toiletries and activities.
Other types of fostering
From helping a young person with the transition from residential care to providing a foster child with a caring family environment for several years, we have many foster parenting options available.
Benefits of working with FCA
24/7 advice service
Excellent ongoing training
Access to your local fostering team
Competitive payments
Local support groups
Local social activities and events
Get in touch
Whether you’re ready to start your journey or just want to chat, contact our fostering team today and we'll answer all your questions.
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By Phone
Call a member of our friendly fostering team and they'll be able to answer all your questions