Short Term Fostering

At Family Works Fostering, we believe every child deserves safety, stability, and compassion – even if it’s just for a short time. Short-term fostering is all about being there when a child or young person needs temporary care and a supportive home.

What is Short Term Fostering?

Short-term fostering (also called temporary fostering) is when a child lives with a foster carer for a limited period. This might be just a few days, a few weeks, or several months – depending on their needs and situation.

During this time, social workers and other professionals are working with the child’s birth family or looking at long-term care options, such as returning home, moving to another foster home, or adoption.

Short-term foster carers play a vital role in offering children safety, consistency, and care while those important decisions are being made.

Why Do Children Need Short-Term Foster Care?

There are many reasons a child might need short-term care. Some include:

• Their parent or carer is unwell, in hospital, or facing crisis
• There’s been a safeguarding concern and the child needs urgent protection
• They’re waiting for a long-term fostering or adoption match
• Their family is being assessed by social services
• They’re transitioning from another placement or coming into care for the first time.

Whatever the reason, children in temporary foster care need loving, understanding foster parents who can support them through uncertain times.

How Long is Short-Term Fostering?

Short-term fostering provides a child with temporary care from a few nights to several months. It all depends on the child’s individual circumstances and care plan. The aim is always to provide a stable and supportive environment until longer-term decisions can be made.

Even if it’s just for a short while, the impact you can make as a foster carer is lifelong.

What Are the Benefits of Short-Term Fostering?

Short-term fostering is incredibly rewarding. You can:

• Make a big difference in a child’s life at a time they need it most
• Help children feel safe, valued, and heard
• Support families during difficult periods
• Experience fostering without committing long-term
• Learn and grow with support from our experienced team

It’s also a great way to explore fostering for the first time and build confidence in your role as a foster parent.

Who Can Become a Foster Parent?

At Family Works Fostering agency, we welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life. There’s no such thing as a “perfect” foster carer – just people who are compassionate, dependable, and open to learning.

You can become a foster parent if you:

• Are over 21 years old
• Have a spare bedroom
• Are in good health (physically and emotionally)
• Have time and flexibility to care for a child
• Can provide a safe and nurturing home environment

It doesn’t matter if you’re single, married, renting, working, or retired – if you’ve got the heart for it, we’d love to hear from you.

How to Become a Foster Parent

Becoming a foster carer with Family Works Fostering agency is a supportive, step-by-step process:

1. Initial chat – Complete an enquiry form, and if you have any questions, our friendly team will be happy to help. If you’re ready to move forward, we’ll arrange a home visit at a time that suits you.

2. Application form – You’ll complete a fostering application with our help.
3. Assessment – One of our friendly social workers will work with you to assess your suitability.
4. Training – You’ll take part in “Skills to Foster,” our introductory course to help you feel prepared.
5. Fostering panel – A group of professionals will review your assessment and make a recommendation.
6. Approval and first placement – Once approved, we’ll match you with a child when you’re ready.

You’ll be supported at every step – you’ll never be on your own.

Ready to Start Your Fostering Journey?

Short-term fostering is a powerful way to change lives – including your own. If you’re ready to learn more or just want to chat it through, we’re here. Get in touch with us on 01702655738 or contact via email on: contact@fw-fostering.co.uk

Short Term Fostering: Frequently Asked Questions