types of fostering

Short-term is a bit of an umbrella term – it can mean looking after a child for an hour, a day, a month or maybe a year.

Short-term foster carers offer stability for as long as they are needed, until we can secure the ‘long-term’ – which is sometimes called ‘permanence’. It means you’re not only there to offer support, but to help children take the next step in their life. A better place than they were before you. This could be returning to their family, living with a new foster family, or being adopted.

A short stay doesn’t mean a small role. You play a big part in a child’s journey, because often you’re the first positive step towards a bright and brilliant future.

Long-term foster carers offer permanence and stability. A new and supportive family for children who can’t live at home.

A lot of thought and care goes towards matching children with long-term foster homes. It’s about bringing together the right foster child with the right carer, for as long as they need you. It’s also about offering security. A home, and an adult, they can count on.

Short-term and long-term cover all kinds of foster care, including more specialist
types, some which have a specific type of approval. These could include…

A little break can make a big difference, when children take a little time away from their family. It could be for a day, overnight or on weekends. It’s about having a little breather, safely.

Short breaks are planned in advance and can be regular occurrences, too. As a short break foster carer you can offer valuable and enjoyable new experiences. You come together with the child’s family, and with us, to make a difference – becoming an extension of the family and working with them to do the best for the child.

Sometimes, parents aren’t quite ready to go it alone. With these placements, you care for both parent and child – sharing valuable experience with someone who really needs that support. You build up the skills they need, both for themselves and for their child. It’s about nurturing the next generation, so that they can do the same.

Some children require a different kind of care, and that’s where therapeutic foster carers come in. This kind of foster care helps children with more complex emotional or behavioural needs get exactly the support they need. In return, we offer an extra level and guidance and support for their foster families.

Young refugees arrive in the UK alone or separated from their family during the journey – looking for safety and a fresh start. More than 100 of these young refugees arrive in Wales every year.

We are proud to live in an inclusive and diverse country that cares for all children and young people in Wales. We need families in Merthyr who can offer young refugees support, stability, and guidance while they rediscover their independence in a new country.

If you can support them, we can support you.

Whatever your background and home situation, if you have something to offer a young refugee or would like further information, talk to us here.