Fostering is a way of looking after children when they are unable to stay within their own families. This may be for a short or longer period of time depending upon each child's circumstances. Some children may never be able to live within their own families. Some foster carers offer short planned breaks to disabled children through the home from home scheme.
There is also a short break scheme which offers regular short planned breaks to children and young people aged 6 to 16 years in order to support families during times of difficulty. Foster carers who look after children and young people who are not related to them or not previously known to them are also referred to as 'community parents'. The information contained in subsequent sections relates to such carers.
We believe it is better for most children to be looked after by foster carers rather than in a residential unit but unfortunately we do not have enough foster carers for this to always happen.
Fostering is about more than just 'normal parenting'. As a foster carer you would be faced with situations which may be unfamiliar or difficult so we do offer training and support about the behaviour which you can expect from children and young people who have often had very difficult life experiences. We want to help you develop your skills and ways of coping.
