Short-term fostering is a type of foster care arrangement where children are placed with foster families for a limited period, typically ranging from a few days to a couple of years. This arrangement is often temporary, with the goal of providing a safe and secure environment for the child while long-term plans are made.
Reasons for children needing short-term fostering can vary, but common scenarios include:
• Emergency placements: When a child needs immediate care to keep them safe or manage a crisis.
• Assessment: When a child needs to be cared for whilst assessments are being undertaken with a child’s family, or care givers, to make decisions about what the long-term plans will be for that child’s care.
• Working towards reunification: When parents or family members are receiving support to improve their ability to meet a child’s needs, and the child is placed in foster care until reunification is appropriate.
• Transitioning: Sometimes, children are placed with foster families as part of a plan where they will be moving on to a permanent placement —such as being adopted or moving to long-term foster care.
The key difference between short-term fostering and long-term fostering is the duration and the expectation that the child will eventually move to another living arrangement, such as being reunified with their family, long-term fostering or adoption.
