Foster carers provide an alternative family environment for children and young people who are, for some reason, unable to currently live with their own families. There are many different kinds of fostering; some of these are described below:
Short term fostering
Short term fostering can mean a child staying with you for anything from 1 night to 3 months. Short term fostering can provide a safe place for a child while Social Services work closely with the child's family to help them return home. Short term foster carers will also work in partnership with social workers and other professionals to help the child understand what is happening and what the plan is for them.
Emergency fostering
Some foster carers offer emergency care, which may mean a child being placed with them in the middle of the night. Emergency foster care is most frequently used in a crisis situation. The next working day plans will be made regarding the child's situation.
Permanent / long term fostering
Sometimes children cannot return home. For some children adoption may be in their best interests. Some foster carers go on to become permanent carers for a child, offering them a safe and supportive environment but also enabling them to keep in contact with their birth family.
Respite fostering
This term covers a variety of different types of care, including short breaks, links with family members and shared care. Most frequently people have children to stay so that families can have a regular break. A foster carer might have a child to stay from a few hours each week to a weekend a month, for example. Sometimes respite carers help families in an emergency as well as offering planned breaks.
Remand fostering (caring for young people on bail)
Where a young person has been 'remanded' to the care of a local authority by a court, foster carers can provide a placement for short periods of time. Carers may have to work under direction from the court, which could mean imposing conditions such as curfews.
Contact us
Fostering and Adoption Service
London Borough of Waltham Forest
1C The Drive
Walthamstow E17 3BN
Tel 020 8496 3000, or
Direct line to Adoption Service on 020 8496 1588
Direct line to Fostering Service on 020 8496 2479
Click here for information on Adoption
