Emergency Fostering
Be There When a Child Needs Someone Most
Could you open your home at a moment's notice and provide safety, stability and care for a child in crisis?
Emergency fostering is one of the most important roles within our fostering community. When children need somewhere safe to stay unexpectedly, emergency foster carers provide immediate care, reassurance and stability during a difficult time.
You don't need to commit to caring for a child long term. Emergency foster carers provide short-term care while plans are made for a child's future.
By becoming an emergency foster carer, you can make an immediate difference when a child needs it most.
What is Emergency Fostering?
Emergency fostering provides a safe and nurturing home for children and young people who need somewhere to stay at very short notice.
A child may need emergency foster care because of:
- A family crisis
- Safeguarding concerns
- An unexpected change in circumstances
- A breakdown in their current living arrangements
As an emergency foster carer, you would be offering children a safe place to stay while Children's Services assess their longer-term needs and plans.
Emergency arrangements are usually short term, typically lasting up to 7 days, although they can sometimes be extended for a limited period while a suitable longer-term plan is agreed.
Could you be the safe place?
As an emergency foster carer you could help a child through one of the most difficult moments in their life.
Could You Provide a Safe Place Tonight?
When children enter care unexpectedly, the first few days can make a huge difference.
Emergency foster carers provide:
- A warm and welcoming home
- Stability during uncertain times
- Practical support and routines
- Reassurance and emotional support
- A caring adult who helps children feel safe
You don't need to have all the answers. What matters most is your ability to provide kindness, patience and a safe environment when children need it most.
Donna
“You can be the anchor that helps them feel safe, because they know that are coming back to that stability.”
Phil and Helenor
“You might think a weekend doesn’t make much of a difference, but for the child, it can be a lifeline.”
Lynn and Saied
"It doesn’t matter if a child only stays for 2 hours we can still have an impact on their lives.”
Why Become an Emergency Foster Carer?
- Provide safety and comfort to a child during a time of crisis and uncertainty.
- Short-Term Commitment
- Support children for short periods while longer-term arrangements are made.
- Be part of a vital service
- Help keep children close to their local communities and support networks.
- Receive specialist training, guidance and support from our experienced fostering team.
- Join a supportive community - become part of a network of foster carers making a real difference to children's lives every day.
Financial Support and Benefits
Emergency foster carers receive:
- An age-related child allowance
- A professional fostering fee
- An additional £100 emergency fostering payment per child, per night
- A setup grant of up to £500
- 100% Council Tax exemption
- Lifestyles Leisure Passes for your household
- Access to training, support groups and ongoing professional development
The emergency fostering payment recognises the flexibility and commitment required to care for children at short notice.