Types of Placement

You can choose the type of placement that you want to be involved in. Here are some examples:

Emergency placements

We provide a 24 hour emergency service and some foster carers specialise in short-term and emergency placements for single children or brothers and sisters together. If the short-term placement turns into a longer one, the child may be moved, depending on you and the needs of the child.

Short-term placements

These can be anything between one night to six months or longer. Some are a temporary arrangement while an alternative long-term solution is investigated, or fostering may provide a break from difficult home situations. Children of all ages need short-term placements.

Assessment placements

In such situations, you will work closely with the child, the Field Manager, and child's Social Worker to identify their needs. The assessment usually takes 6 to 8 weeks, though may last longer while the agreed plan is put into action.

Remand placements

Carers who specialise in remand placements, look after children for a short period, often instead of custody, when they have been remanded by the Courts. Their age varies from 10 to 17 years.

Long-term placements

Most children return to their families after a relatively short term but sometimes they need to stay for a long period, some until they are 18 years old (and in some specialist cases beyond 18). With this type of placement, there will be a longer lead in and introductory process before the placement is made.

Parent and baby placements

These are usually for pregnant young women or women with young babies, though they can include placements of fathers and their children.
The type of placement that suits you best will be discussed during your assessment period. It may change, as your experience, capability and circumstances change.