Emergency Foster Care

Emergency foster care is about stepping in at a moment’s notice to offer a child safety, comfort, and reassurance when something unexpected has happened.

What is Emergency Fostering?

Emergency fostering is when a child or young person is placed with a foster carer very quickly and often with little warning – usually on the same day, sometimes even overnight.

These placements happen when a child needs to leave their current situation immediately due to safety concerns, crisis, or unforeseen circumstances. Emergency foster carers are ready to open their home at short notice, offering calm and stability at a critical time.

Why Do Children Need Emergency Foster Care?

There are many reasons a child might need an emergency foster placement, such as:

• A sudden family breakdown
• Domestic violence in the home
• A parent being taken into hospital or police custody
• Concerns about neglect or abuse
• Abandonment or homelessness

In these moments, children are often scared, confused, and unsure of what’s happening. Your role as an emergency foster carer is to make them feel safe, cared for, and supported, even if it’s just for a night or two.

How Long is Emergency Foster Care For?

Emergency foster placements are usually very short-term – often just a few nights or up to a week. In some cases, they may extend while longer-term plans are being made.

The goal is always to keep the child safe and supported, while social workers work quickly to decide the next best step – whether that’s returning home, moving to a relative’s care, or transitioning into short-term or long-term fostering.

Who Can Become an Emergency Foster Parent?

If you’re calm under pressure, flexible, and can offer a safe home at short notice, you could be an incredible emergency foster parent.

You don’t need to have experience – just the right qualities:

• Be over 21 years old
• Have a spare bedroom
• Be emotionally resilient and adaptable
• Be available and able to respond quickly to placement requests
• Have the time and stability to support a child through a sudden move

We welcome people from all backgrounds, and we’ll support you every step of the way.

How to Become an Emergency Foster Parent

The process to become an emergency foster carer is the same as with other types of fostering. Here’s how it works with Family Works:

1. Enquiry Form – Complete our enquiry form or call us. We’ll follow up and book a visit if you’re ready to move forward.

2. Application – Fill out an application with our support.
3. Assessment – A social worker will work closely with you to assess your suitability.
4. Training – You’ll complete “Skills to Foster,” our essential prep course.
5. Approval – A fostering panel will review your application.
6. Placement ready – Once approved, you’ll be ready to respond when a child needs you most.

We offer 24/7 support, training, and a generous fostering allowance to help you care confidently, even in the most unexpected situations.

Frequently Asked Questions: Emergency Foster Care