Can I become a part-time foster carer?

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What is Part-Time Fostering?

Part-time fostering (also known as respite) allows you to make a significant impact on a child’s life, even if you have other commitments. Whether you're providing a safe and nurturing environment for a child in an emergency or offering respite care to support full-time foster carers, part-time fostering is a flexible and rewarding way to help children in need.

You can offer support on a schedule that works for you, such as one weekend a month or during emergencies. It’s a rewarding way to make a difference in a child’s life without needing to commit full-time.

Is part-time fostering a good way to start fostering?

Yes, part-time fostering is a great way to start your fostering journey! It allows you to ease into the role by planning care around your lifestyle, such as starting with one weekend a month. This flexibility helps you gain experience and see how fostering fits with your other commitments, giving you the opportunity to gradually take on more if it works for you. It’s a fantastic way to make a meaningful impact while building confidence and skills at your own pace.

What is the difference between emergency fostering and part-time fostering?

Emergency fostering is a type of part-time fostering where carers provide immediate, short-term care for children who need a safe place to stay on very short notice, often due to unforeseen crises. These placements are typically unplanned and can last from a single night up to a few days.

Part-time fostering, on the other hand, is a broader term that includes various types of flexible care, such as respite fostering, weekend care, or school holiday placements. It allows foster carers to provide support on a part-time basis, helping children and their long-term carers by offering a change of scenery or time to reset.

Can I work alongside part-time fostering?

Yes, you can work alongside part-time fostering! Part-time fostering is designed to be flexible, allowing you to provide care while maintaining a full-time job or other commitments.

A certain level of flexibility is required to meet the needs of the child i.e. welcoming a child into your home on the Friday and dropping them off at school on Monday.

What level of commitment is needed to be a part-time foster carer?

The level of commitment needed to be a part-time foster carer is flexible and can be tailored to fit your lifestyle. It might involve providing care one weekend a month, offering support during school holidays, or stepping in during emergencies. You can choose the type and frequency of care that works for you, allowing you to make a meaningful impact while balancing other commitments, such as work or family responsibilities.

• "Because you're not doing it all the time, you're able to give it 110% when you are. You can really give a child a lot of attention and love over that couple of days” Heather and Andrew

Heather and Andrew have been part-time foster carer's with us for around 3 years now, they told us how it works for them alongside other commitments. 

Watch their video here -