Long-term

You care for a child for two years or more. In some cases, they may stay with you until adulthood. There is a plan for their future, such as moving towards independence or, where possible, returning to their birth family.

Short-term

You care for a child for between a few weeks to up to two years whilst plans are made for their future.

Family and friends (kinship)

You care for a child you already know or who is part of your wider family.

Emergency

You give a child a safe place to stay for up to a few nights, helping them feel comfortable and at home even during a short stay. This situation would be unplanned and you could get less than 24 hours’ notice.

Short breaks

You support children whilst their parents or usual carers take planned time away. For example, this could be over a weekend or during a school holiday.

Fostering for adoption

You care for babies or young children you may go on to adopt. To do fostering for adoption, you will need to be approved as an adopter and your fostering service can support you with this.

Specialist therapeutic

You provide specialist care for children with complex needs or challenging behaviour. This type of fostering is usually for experienced carers or those with particular skills. You will receive additional, tailored training and ongoing support.

Remand

You care for a child involved in the youth justice system. This may include children on remand, awaiting trial, or following a court order. Your fostering service will provide specialist training to prepare you for this role.

Parent and child fostering

You care for a parent and their baby or young child together, supporting the parent with their caring skills. Some placements can start during pregnancy.

Private fostering

A separate arrangement where a child is cared for by someone outside their close family. This guidance on looking after someone else’s child, on GOV.UK has more information.

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Find out what fostering is like from people with first hand experience