Respite Foster Care

Respite fostering provides temporary care for children and young people, often just for a weekend or a few days, to give their regular carers or families time to rest, recharge, or manage a specific need. It’s a vital part of the fostering community, and a deeply rewarding way to support children and fellow carers.

What Is Respite Foster Care?

Respite foster care is a short-term placement designed to give full-time foster carers (or sometimes birth families) a planned break. These breaks can be:

• For a weekend
• During school holidays
• A few days to a week
• Occasionally longer, depending on the situation

As a respite foster carer, you provide a safe, nurturing environment for a child or young person to stay while their main carer takes a short time out. It’s not just a break for them – it’s a boost of support and connection for the children too.

Why Is Respite Foster Care Important?

Fostering is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be emotionally demanding. Respite care helps prevent carer burnout and ensures that children always receive the best care possible.

Respite fostering is needed when:

• A foster family needs a short break or has a family emergency
• A carer is attending training, surgery, or other commitments
• A child needs a short-term change of environment
• Families caring for children with disabilities need additional support
• A new carer wants to start fostering with shorter placements first

Respite care is not just “babysitting” – it’s being part of a support system that keeps foster placements stable and carers feeling strong.

Who Can Be a Respite Foster Carer?

Respite foster carers come from all walks of life. You don’t need to be a parent, or have previous experience – just the ability to offer a warm, safe space for a child to feel at home for a few days.

To become a respite carer, you’ll need to:

• Be over 21 years old
• Have a spare bedroom
• Be patient, flexible, and nurturing
• Be available for short-term placements, often weekends or holidays
• Be committed to supporting children who may have complex needs

Many people choose to start their fostering journey with respite care – it’s a great way to get experience and build confidence before taking on full-time placements.

How to Become a Respite Foster Carer

The application process is the same as for long-term or short-term foster carer, and we’ll be with you every step of the way:

1. Enquiry Form – Fill out our online form or give us a call. If you’re ready to take the next step, we’ll arrange a home visit at a time that suits you.
2. Apply – We help you complete a fostering application.
3. Assessment – A social worker will spend time understanding your strengths and circumstances.
4. Training – You’ll take part in our “Skills to Foster” course.
5. Approval – Your application goes to panel for approval.
6. Start fostering – Once approved, you’re ready to provide respite care as part of a supportive team.

As a respite carer with Family Works, you’ll receive ongoing training, 24/7 support, and a financial allowance to help you provide the best care possible.

Why Choose Respite Fostering with Family Works?

• You’re never alone – we’re here around the clock
• Full training and support from day one
• Flexible placements that work with your life
• Be part of a fostering community
• Make a real difference in short bursts of time

Interested in becoming a respite foster carer?

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to make a difference in a more flexible way, respite fostering could be the perfect fit. Call us on 01702967635 get in touch via email on via email on: contact@fw-fostering.co.uk.

Family Works Fostering – supporting children, carers, and families, one day at a time.