Fostering can take many different shapes and forms depending on the circumstances of the placement. There are many different situations and circumstances in which a child will need to enter care, meaning there is not one single form of fostering. Therefore, there are different types of foster care placements, usually varying in length as a short-term or a long-term placement. One of these lesser-known types of placement is called Respite Care.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care is a short-term fostering placement, meaning that the young person or child will only be under the care of a foster carer for a short period of time. This is used to support other foster carers, or even family members, by giving them a short-term break. The length of the respite period will depend on the situation and needs of the child. This means that the length of the placement can range from just one night, to a weekend or maybe slightly longer. There many different circumstances in which respite fostering would be required, for example, if the carer or family member is going on holiday or is forced away due to family commitments.
What are the advantages of respite fostering?
By providing support for long term foster carers or family members, respite carers can help support the child. By helping them to develop on a short-term basis, a respite carer is giving the child the best chance at having a happy and comfortable time within their placement. Even though it is only a short-term placement, respite carers are absolutely crucial in carrying out the placement of the child and means that there is always someone to care for the child, allowing them to consistently feel comfortable and safe.
Can anyone become a respite carer?
Becoming a respite carer has all the same requirements as a regular foster carer. These are predominantly someone with the time and energy to make sure that the child is cared for and feels loved. Many of the children who enter care have been through a lot despite their young age, and as a result many could have experienced some pretty traumatic experiences. This has a significant impact on their emotional intelligence, and therefore requires a lot of patience from their carer. In the case of respite carers, you will need to be flexible and committed to the job as your role is key to supporting other carers and family members.
We are looking for carers in Oxfordshire today
If you are interested in finding out more about respite care, or are considering any type of fostering, then please get in contact with us. We are a trusted private fostering agency operating nationwide; we are currently in need of foster farers in Oxfordshire to support the thousands of children entering care every year.
To get in contact with us, please call us on 0333 044 8890 and one of our experienced team members will be able to give you more information and tell you the next steps. There is also lots more information about fostering and the fostering process on our website, and we also have a Facebook page in which you can message us directly.
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