Respite Foster Care

What is respite fostering?

Providing respite care for foster parents and birth families allows them to take an essential break from childcare if and when needed. If foster families are experiencing a high level of stress or if a birth family has a child with disabilities, they may need to take a short break to recharge. This time off allows them to return to their caregiving roles refreshed and ready to provide the best care possible.  

Respite fostering is like being part of an extended family. It usually lasts a few days to a week and often happens during the weekends and school holidays. Occasionally, a plan for regular ongoing respite will be established, and you’ll care for the same child every few weeks. 

When planning respite foster care, the child’s well-being and needs are always our top priority. We’ll work with you and the local authority to ensure that arrangements for respite care are suitable for everyone involved. 

Benefits of respite fostering

As well as the knowledge that you’re helping a foster family or birth family by giving them a much-needed break, there are many other benefits that respite foster care can offer, including: 

• You’ll be another positive role model for a foster child and could help them trust other adults. 
• Every foster parent has different skill sets and qualities. So, introducing respite foster parents into a child or young person’s life will give them new experiences and could help their development. 
• If you can’t commit to short-term or long-term fostering, you can still make a real difference as a respite foster parent. 
• You’ll receive ongoing foster care training and have opportunities for professional development.
• Our events, activities and support groups give your whole family the opportunity to connect with like-minded people and make new friends.  

Gain insight into the world of fostering and discover whether fostering is a potential career for you.