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Introduction
Short‑term fostering offers a safe and supportive home for children and young people while longer‑term plans are being made by the local authority. Care may be needed for a few days, weeks or several months, and your role as a short‑term foster carer is to provide stability, reassurance and nurturing while important decisions are made about a child’s future.
Short‑term fostering plays a vital role in helping children feel secure during periods of uncertainty. With your support and the guidance of our team, children can thrive, even for a short period.
WHAT’S INVOLVED & WHO COMES INTO OUR CARE
Children in short‑term foster care come into the service for a variety of reasons. It might be while plans are made for them to return home, move to a long‑term home, or when immediate stability is needed. Many children in short‑term care need:
A safe, reassuring environment where they can feel secure
Support through change such as transitions between carers or family settings
Encouragement with routines and emotional regulation
Consistent, caring relationships while longer‑term plans are finalised
Short‑term fostering can be a meaningful and rewarding form of care, even if it lasts only a short period. Your involvement can help a child feel valued, comfortable and hopeful about what comes next.
WHO CAN FOSTER & SUPPORT FOR CARERS
We welcome carers from diverse backgrounds who want to offer short‑term care. To be a short‑term foster carer, you should:
Have a spare bedroom
Be aged 21 or over (there’s no upper age limit)
Ideally have experience working with children or young people
Be a British citizen or have Leave to Remain in the UK
Fostering in a short‑term capacity is suitable for single people, couples or families, with or without children of your own. What matters most is your commitment to providing care, reassurance and continuity.
All our foster carers receive tailored support, including:
A dedicated Supervising Social Worker
24/7 specialist support from an experienced team
Training specific to short‑term fostering arrangements
Peer support groups and local networks
Tools and resources to help you provide the best care possible
You will never be on your own, we are here to support you at every step.
"We want children to achieve their potential, no matter where they come from or what challenges they meet along the way."
Nick Barnsby, Director
Foster Carer Allowances
All foster carers receive financial support to help with the care of a child. The amounts are the same across all companies:
Weekly Allowance:
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£436.24 per week
Additional Benefits:
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Summer Holiday Payment: £300
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Child’s Birthday Payment: £150
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Christmas Payment: £150
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Annual Carer Bonus: £200
These payments cover the child’s essential needs and recognise the important work of foster carers.
The organisation values the contribution foster carers make in recruiting new foster carers. Rewards are paid for each new foster carer you refer:
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Introductory Fee: £100 - for introducing a potential carer
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On Approval: £500 - once the new foster carer is approved
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First Child Placement: £1,000 - when the new foster carer takes in their first child
This programme encourages experienced foster carers to share their knowledge and help expand the network of support for children.
Enquire now!
If you’re interested in fostering young children, we’d love to hear from you.
