The Different Types of Foster Care Available

There are several different types of fostering, each created to meet children’s needs in different situations. Some children may need care for a short period while plans are made for their future, while others need a long-term home where they can grow and settle. Some placements involve supporting siblings to stay together, teenagers needing guidance, or children who require additional emotional or practical support.

Because of this variety, the types of foster care available are designed with factors such as; the length of time a child may need care, their age, and the level of day-to-day support required, in mind. Each type has its own purpose and focus, ensuring children receive the right environment and the right level of stability at the right moment in their lives.

Understanding these differences helps us make thoughtful, well-matched placements. By recognising both what a child needs and what a foster parent can offer, we can create a supportive, nurturing home where a child feels safe, valued, and able to thrive.

Below, you’ll find the main types of foster care, with links to dedicated pages where you can explore each one in more detail.

Types of Fostering

Long Term Foster Care

Long-term fostering provides a child or young person with a stable, nurturing home for an extended period, often for several years, or until they reach adulthood. Unlike adoption, this type of foster care doesn’t change the legal relationship between the child and their birth family, but it does give them the security and sense of belonging that comes from being valued and included in family life. Over time, this consistency can help build strong, trusting relationships and support the child’s emotional and social development. Learn more about long-term foster care.

Parent and Child Fostering

Some parents (often mothers with young babies) need extra guidance to build confidence and develop safe, consistent parenting routines. In this type of fostering, a parent and child live together in the foster home, where specially trained foster carers offer practical, day-to-day support and encouragement. The aim is to help parents learn and grow while staying with their child, building a safe and nurturing environment where they can thrive together. Learn more about parent and child fostering.

Sibling Placements

Keeping brothers and sisters together can be hugely important for their sense of stability and emotional wellbeing. When children enter care, sibling placements allow them to share the experience with someone familiar, offering comfort, continuity, and mutual support. Foster parents who can welcome siblings play a vital role in preserving these family bonds during a time of significant change, helping children feel grounded and less alone. Learn more about fostering siblings.

Short-term Foster Care

Short-term foster care provides children and young people with a safe and supportive home while plans for their future are being made. Despite the name, these placements can sometimes last up to two years, depending on a child’s circumstances. This type of foster care is often a helpful introduction for new foster parents, offering the chance to gain experience and confidence without committing to a longer-term placement straight away. Learn more about short-term fostering.

Emergency Foster Care

Emergency foster care provides a safe and reassuring environment for children who need somewhere to stay at very short notice, often due to urgent or unexpected circumstances. In this type of foster care, foster parents need to be flexible and prepared to offer calm, supportive care with limited information to begin with. These placements are short-term but play an essential role in ensuring a child is safe and protected during a difficult moment. Learn more about emergency foster care.

Respite Care

Respite foster care provides short-term breaks for foster families, which can be especially important when caring for children with additional emotional or behavioural needs. These placements give foster parents time to rest and recharge, helping them maintain their own well-being and continue providing consistent care. For children and young people, respite can also be a positive experience, a chance to spend time in a different supportive environment and build new, healthy relationships. Learn more about respite foster care.

Fostering Teenagers

The teenage years are a time of change, identity-building, and increasing independence. This type of foster care calls for patience, understanding, and the ability to offer guidance while respecting a young person’s growing autonomy. Many teenagers in foster care simply need a stable, supportive home where they can feel heard and valued as they navigate school, friendships, emotions, and their plans for the future. With the right encouragement, teens can build confidence and a strong foundation for adulthood. Learn more about fostering teenagers.

The Impact of the different types of Fostering

Each type of foster care has a vital role to play, supporting children and young people with a wide range of needs and experiences. At Family Fostering Partners, we make sure every foster parent feels confident and supported, no matter which type of fostering they offer. You’ll receive ongoing training, regular contact with your supervising social worker, and free membership to FosterTalk, a not-for-profit organisation offering additional guidance, resources, and advice.

Whether you open your home for a longer-term placement, support a parent and child together, or offer stability through short-term or emergency care, your role as a foster parent has the power to change lives. We’ll be alongside you every step of the way.

By fostering, you’re not just providing a safe place to stay, you’re giving a child or young person the chance to feel valued, understood, and hopeful about their future. Every type of fostering comes with its own rewards, but all make a meaningful difference. If you’re ready to explore fostering further, we’re here to help you take the next step.

Ready to Start Fostering?

For those considering becoming a foster parent, understanding the different types of fostering available is an important first step, and we hope this page has provided a helpful introduction. If you have any questions about the various types of foster care, our team is always here to help, you can speak to us directly through the live chat feature on our website.

If you feel ready to begin your fostering journey, we’ll guide you through every stage of the process, making sure you feel informed, supported, and prepared to welcome a child or young person into your home. Visit our Contact Us page, or email us at info@familyfosteringpartners.co.uk. Alternatively you can give us a call on 0330 094 8816.