Know the Variants of Foster Care Before Entering the Process

A foster carer is an amazing individual that chooses to be a part of a child's life that is not their own. That's why it's of the utmost importance to learn the different types of foster care before jumping in. Most don't know that being a foster carer doesn't need a full-time commitment, there are a range of children that need looked after and for different amounts of time.

In addition, the children are a range of ages as old as 17 all the way down to babies. Discussing with a professional what type of foster carer one would like to be will make the entire process run much more smoothly.

Types of Foster Care

Respite - Respite foster cares care for children for a short amount of time on a regular basis to give the biological parents or long-term foster carers a break. It could be a few hours, a couple days, a weekend or even a month. It's set up on a case by case basis.

Emergency - Emergency carers are those that provide limited placements and sometimes within short notice. This role is super important in giving children in some terrible situations a place to stay. Foster carers that choose this should be available at any time, even in the middle of the night.

Short Term - A short-term carer will look after a child full-time until they can be integrated back into living with their birth parents. If for some reason that doesn't work out, long-term cares will be found.

Long Term - Long term foster carers keep a child if they are unable to return to their parents in the near future. Sometimes this results in adoption either by the foster carer or another eligible adult.

Kinship Care - A kinship foster carer is one that is a family or friend of the child and their parents, and they are requested by the social services to be looked after until further notice.

Fee Paid - Many foster carers inquire about the financial packages associated with providing care. Whatever agency they work through they will be guided as to what is available in most cases.

Disabled Children - Carers for disabled children must have the patience and expertise necessary to meet their unique requirements. This includes permanent care or just a few days to give the birth parents a needed break.

Private Carer - A private foster carer provides a safe place for children under the age of 18 for over a month. They are not a family member or friend.

Continued Care - In special circumstances, individuals who were previously placed under the age of 18 need further care up to the ages of 21 or 22. These young people need a stable environment for extenuating circumstances such as employment, training or educational goals.

Specialist Carer - Within this scheme, the carer meets special needs of children that are clearly defined. They should have some sort of expertise that will help the child who is staying with them.

Making a Difference

In a world where children need stable adults to get through tough times, the role of a foster carer is more important than ever. It takes a big heart and a lot of patience but can be very rewarding for those that give of their personal time and offer stability to kids who need the love and attention necessary to thrive.

Contacting an agency is the first step to becoming a carer, and from there one will be guided along the process to determine if it's right for them, and what type of foster care will work in with their lifestyle.